Native American culture celebrations in Dover set Sept. 2, 7, 14

Native American culture, with a spotlight on the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware, will be celebrated with a series of activities on Sept. 2, 7 and 14, at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green, and the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St., both in downtown Dover.

Events will include music, drumming, dancing, crafts and lectures. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Elected Chief Dennis Coker of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware will discuss the tribe’s history and its continuing presence in Delaware at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 2, at the Old State House. 

Native American flutist Bo Harris returns to the museum to discuss regalia or traditional clothing in Native American ceremonies at 2 p.m., Sept. 2, at the Johnson Victrola Museum. Entry to the second-floor gallery is via staircase; there is no elevator.

Renowned flute maker Bob Willasch will demonstrate how to make the instruments, and visitors will have an opportunity to decorate their own versions at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, in the Johnson Victrola Museum’s second-floor gallery.

Delaware State Parks archaeologist John McCarthy will discuss uses of the material world to express identity and values in contemporary Lenapé culture including places that are important to the tribe; the importance of regalia and the powwow tradition; and traditions of family, hospitality and more, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Old State House. 

The Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware will celebrate its culture and long existence in Delaware through art, displays, demonstrations and music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Old State House.

The 2019 events celebrating Native American culture are presented by the Lenapé Public Program Committee, comprising members of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware and staff of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.