Give Me Liberty!
America 250 is quite a milestone and worthy of reflection, if not celebration. To that end, we encourage you to read the guest essays starting on page 28. While you’re at it, see if you can spot the four liberty bells we’ve tucked away in this issue and you might win a cool prize. Please email your answers using the subject line: I Found the Liberty Bells to contact@TSNPub.com by July 17.
Last month’s winners: Mark LaVere, Carol Emory, Sal Providence. The signs were on pages 31, 41, 55 and 70.
Candlelight Theatre Presents “Annie”
Everyone’s favorite little redhead comes to life on stage when the Candlelight Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE, July 17 through August 30, featuring such memborable songs as “Tomorrow,” “It’s a hard Knock Life,” and “Easy Street.” Tickets include a plated meal served prior to curtain, with limited show-only tickets also available. Visit CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org.
Special Screenings of The American Revolution
Wilmington Celebrates Delaware 250 has teamed with WHYY for two free showings of a 45-minute screener of Ken Burns’ acclaimed television miniseries The American Revolution. On Thursday, July 16, the Urban Artist Exchange (1509 Clifford Brown Walk) will host an outdoor screening beginning at dusk. On Thursday, July 23, The Screening Room (1313 N. Market St.) will host a screening beginning at 6:30pm. Visit InWilmDe.com.
LGBTQIA+ Visitor Center Planned For Wilmington
The Delaware Sexuality and Gender Collective has announced the launch of “The Collective,” a 3,200-square-foot LGBTQIA+ visitor center and community space planned for downtown Wilmington on Market Street. Founded in 2018 by clinical social workers and advocates Julissa Coriano and Noah J. Duckett, the space will include Delaware’s first LGBTQIA+ history museum, a visitor center highlighting local LGBTQIA+ businesses, coworking offices, and a community space named The Griffin II — honoring Delaware’s first LGBTQIA+ community center, The Griffin, established in 1986. The project is currently in development, with an anticipated opening in late 2026. Visit DelawareLGBTQIAVisitorCenter.com.
Free Summer Concert Series Returns To Brandywine Mills Plaza
Music in the Plaza returns for its eighth season, bringing live music, food trucks, and local vendors to Wilmington’s Brandywine Mills Plaza (19th & Market streets) from 5-8pm every Tuesday, July 7 through October 6. The series kicks off with What the Funk (July 7), followed by The X Band Experience (July 14), Tony “Big Cat” Smith (July 21), and Fuzaholics (July 28). Hosted by Old Brandywine Village, the free event supports the ongoing revitalization of historic Brandywine Village.
An Evening With Dr. Jill Biden Set For July 14
On Tuesday, July 14, Huxley & Hiro will host former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in conversation with author Jennifer Weiner at The Queen in Wilmington from 6–8pm. The discussion will center on Biden’s new memoir, View From the East Wing, offering reflections on her years in the White House, public service, and life behind the scenes during a historic presidency. Tickets are $70 and include one hardcover copy of the book. More at HuxleyAndHiro.com.
Bank Of Delaware Building Receives Historic Honor
The Bank of Delaware Building in downtown Wilmington has been added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance and role in the city’s commercial history. The Bank of Delaware, founded in 1795, moved its headquarters to the 17-story Delaware Avenue building in 1970. Designed by architect Harold A. Berry in the New Formalism and Late Modernism styles, it served as the bank’s headquarters until 1989, when the institution was acquired by PNC Bank. More at History.Delaware.gov.
FSBT Announces 2026-2027 Season
Tckets are now on sale for First State Ballet Theatre’s 2026–2027 season at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, featuring five productions that blend classic story ballets with new work. The season includes the romantic comedy Don Quixote (Oct. 24 & 25, Copeland Hall), followed by the mixed program Up Front on Market (Nov. 13 & 15, Studio One). December brings The Nutcracker to the stage for two weekends (Dec. 12, 13, 19 & 20), along with the Sugar Plum Soiree (Dec. 12), a family-friendly add-on experience that includes a mini ballet class and more. The season continues with a world-premiere Carmen by choreographer Zachary Kapeluck (March 6 & 7), and the classic Swan Lake (April 17 & 18), both performed in Copeland Hall. Visit FirstStateBallet.org.
CCAC Unveils New Mural Honoring Longtime Supporters
On May 30, Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) held a ceremony to unveil their Legacy Wall mural to the larger community.
The mural, which lines the walls of the center’s entire first floor, was created by local artist and educator Sherita Sparrow. Her vision for the work was to capture the spirit, history, and legacy of CCAC.
“This was a labor of love,” says Sparrow, who began work on the mural in October 2025. “To have everyone view it for the first time was very emotional for me, and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity [to create the piece].”
The vibrant mural honors eight individuals — from current and past instructors and administrators to key community advocates — whose enduring dedication and contributions have helped shape the organization and its impact throughout the city. The honorees include Bebe Coker, Darnell Miller, JoAnn Jackson, Tanya Jackson, Baba Kenyatta, Dara J. Meredith, Raye Jones Avery, and Ken Brown.
