250Ride.org Brings Living History to the Biggs Museum During Dover Days
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
On Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 250Ride.org will bring its mission of immersive storytelling to life at the Biggs Museum of American Art during the annual Dover Days Festival.
As Dover transforms into a vibrant reflection of the 18th century, visitors will have the rare opportunity to step inside the museum and meet two of Delaware’s most important historical figures, Caesar Rodney and Jacob Broom, portrayed as living history interpreters.
This is more than a photo opportunity. It’s a chance to experience the past in a personal and meaningful way.
From the Parade to the Museum
Dover Days begins with its beloved parade at 9:00 AM, drawing crowds to The Green for one of Delaware’s most cherished traditions.
Just steps away from the parade route, the Biggs Museum offers the perfect next stop.
After the energy of the morning celebration, guests are invited to walk over and continue their journey through history, this time indoors, where the stories behind the Revolution come into sharper focus.
Meet Caesar Rodney & Jacob Broom
Inside the museum, visitors will encounter:
Caesar Rodney — the determined patriot whose historic overnight ride secured Delaware’s vote for Independence, played by New Castle Register of Wills and Delaware Italian American Foundation Founder, Ciro Poppiti III.
Jacob Broom — a surveyor, mapmaker, and civic leader whose knowledge of land and infrastructure quietly supported the Revolutionary cause. This role is played by Hugo Immediato Jr. Co-Producer and Route Manager of the 250 Ride.
Together, they represent both the bold, decisive moments and the often-overlooked contributions that helped shape a nation.
Through conversation and interpretation, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the people behind the history, bringing context to names that too often live only on paper.
Explore the Exhibit: “25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History”
Beyond the living history experience, visitors are encouraged to explore the Biggs Museum’s featured first-floor exhibit:
This thoughtfully curated exhibit highlights key artifacts that tell the story of Delaware’s past, offering a tangible connection to the people, places, and events that shaped the First State.
It provides the perfect complement to meeting Caesar Rodney and Jacob Broom, allowing guests to experience both the human stories and the physical objects that define history.
Raise a Glass to History: Liberty Lager at the Biggs
Adding to the experience, guests can enjoy 250 Ride Liberty Lager, available at a cash bar inside the Biggs Museum during Dover Days festivities on Friday evening and Saturday.
This commemorative beer is the result of a collaboration between First State Brewing Company and 250Ride.org—created to celebrate Delaware’s role in America’s founding while building momentum toward the June reenactment.
Every pour supports the mission of bringing history to life through education, storytelling, and community engagement.
Make a Day of it at The Biggs
In addition to the living history experience and featured exhibition, The Biggs will be activated throughout the day with a full slate of free, drop-in experiences designed for all ages. The Museum will be open from 10 AM–5 PM with complimentary admission, offering walk-in art activities and live jazz from the Nisarg Music Group from 11 AM–3 PM in a relaxed setting with space to gather and enjoy the day.
From 12–3 PM, guests are invited to contribute to a large-scale Community Canvas, adding their own mark to a collaborative work inspired by Dover Days, and capture the moment at a festive selfie station. Whether stopping in after the parade or spending the afternoon, The Biggs offers an engaging, creative extension of the day’s celebration.
Voices Behind the Mission
“This is exactly what 250Ride.org is all about—meeting people where they are and bringing history to life in a way that feels real and accessible,” said Ciro Poppiti, Founder of the Delaware Italian American Foundation. “To be part of Dover Days and inside the Biggs Museum, surrounded by history while telling these stories, is incredibly meaningful.”
“This experience gives people the chance to connect the dots,” added Jesse Heninger, Marketing Director for 250Ride.org and the Delaware Italian American Foundation. “You can meet the individuals, then walk through an exhibit that reflects the broader story of Delaware’s past. It’s immersive, it’s educational, and it’s exactly the kind of engagement we aim to create.”
A Preview of What’s Ahead
The Biggs Museum appearance is part of a series of activations leading up to the 250Ride.org reenactment on June 12–13, when Caesar Rodney’s historic ride from Dover to Philadelphia will be brought to life across more than 80 miles.
These moments serve as both a preview and an invitation, encouraging the public to experience history not just as something to read, but something to see, feel, and engage with.
Plan Your Visit
After enjoying the Dover Days parade, take a short walk to the Biggs Museum and continue the journey.
Location: Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Bonus: Explore the “25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History” exhibit and enjoy Liberty Lager at the cash bar
History is happening just around the corner! See you at Biggs!!
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