Very few Delawareans are aware that The Green in Dover, one of the oldest historical sites in Kent County, is officially known as First State Heritage Park (FSHP) a state park operated under the auspices of DNREC. Two Milford women are trying to change that by creating unique programs designed to bring visitors to their small “park without boundaries.”
Often referred to as “The Nicole’s,” Nicole Worthley and Nicole Hutchison spearhead programs at FSHP, leading a group of costumed interpreters who are tasked with telling the history, not only of the park, but of Delaware in general. Worthley serves as park superintendent while Hutchison serves as interpretive programs manager at the park.
“First State Heritage Park has been a hidden gem for many years,” Worthley said. “We are working to make sure everyone in Delaware and the surrounding states knows what we offer here at the park. We have the John Bell House Interpretive Center, where you can see colonial life in action, we have Legislative Hall, the Old State House and so much more to offer.”
Worthley grew up in New Castle, recently moving to Milford. She holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of Delaware. She is also a trustee for the Milford Historical Society, acting as collections manager for Parson Thorne Mansion.
“It was during my time at the Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs that I developed a love for collections and helping smaller groups get a handle on them to ensure longevity,” Worthley said. “At FSHP, not only do I get to protect historic collections, but also create programming that celebrates history in the first state.”
Hutchison grew up in Lincoln and is a 2014 graduate of Milford High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Master of Science in American History from American Public University. While earning her history degree, she accepted a position with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs as an historic interpreter at the Old State House and Johnson Victrola Museum. She completed her graduate thesis on the history of recorded sound, focusing on Eldridge Reeves Johnson, the founder of the Victrola Talking Machine Company.
“When I graduated from Milford, my goal was to go into the art field, preferably as a concept artist for Disney,” Hutchison said. “Then, in 2015, Hamilton was released on Broadway, and it ignited the history gene in me. Both my parents are history lovers as well. After graduating from MICA, I decided that I wanted to tap into that love of history.”
Hutchison worked as the program director at the Milford Museum for about a year before taking the position at FSHP where she supervises the interpreters, helps create educational programming and acts as an interpreter herself.
Both women are focused on growing FSHP as much as possible. They are currently looking for volunteers to create a Friends of First State Heritage organization, similar to those that help fund other state parks in Delaware. The Friends would help fundraise, lobby legislators to help promote the historical preservation of artifacts and buildings in the park as well as assist with events at the park.
The next event planned is a Victorian Garden Party on May 31 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Entry is free with an optional $5 tea and pastry buffet available. There are Victorian games, crafts and the option to make a boater hat. Costumes are encouraged but not required for the event. FSHP also conducts programs for First Saturdays in the First State, Old Dover Days and the Delaware Heritage Festival.
To learn more about First State Heritage Park, call 302-739-9194 or visit them online. To learn more about joining the Friends of First State Heritage Park, contact them via email.
