Friends of John Dickinson Mansion announce membership drive
The Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion group recently launched a membership drive to increase its support and preservation of the historic John Dickinson Plantation, the boyhood home and country estate of one of the United States’ most esteemed founding fathers, president of Delaware under the state constitution of 1776 and signer of the U.S. Constitution.
The plantation, which is operated as a museum by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, is at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover. It features the patriot’s original 1740 brick mansion, reconstructed farm buildings and a log dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River.
A nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the extension of knowledge about Dickinson and his historic home, the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion has been instrumental in commissioning many projects including biographies, research, educational films and events. In 2011, the organization funded the production of a documentary film about Dickinson for broadcast on Public Broadcasting Service stations. A new, longer, more detailed version of this film will be broadcast in the coming months.
“Our mission for more than half a century has been to provide support to the state of Delaware’s efforts to preserve and maintain the home of John Dickinson, the ‘Penman of the Revolution'” said Tom Jackson, president of the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion. “Now, more than ever, our organization is needed and appreciated. For a small contribution, we invite like-minded individuals and families to join us or give a membership as a gift to a friend.”
Benefits of membership in the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion include an annual meeting and many exciting events at the plantation throughout the year; firsthand updates on historical, archeological and architectural research in the state; and discounts on the rental of state-owned historical properties such as the Buena Vista Conference Center.
As part of the membership drive, all new members will receive an attractive magnetic logo of the John Dickinson Plantation and a calendar of events for the upcoming year. Membership levels include: student $10, individual $15, family $20, contributing $25, sponsor $50 and patron $100. For more information about the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion, call Dr. Andrea Pedigo at 302-228-4228.
