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DHS Statement on Violence in Our Communities
May 25, 2022
The Delaware Historical Society stands in solidarity with communities, families and individuals targeted by senseless acts of violence and hatred. We send a message of love, prayer, sympathy, and support.
These acts of terror affect all of us; DHS is dedicated to contributing to the long-term, ongoing, and collective healing process that will allow us to move forward as a nation.
We’re Hiring! Visit Careers for more information!
The Read House & Gardens Announces a Transformative Landscape Partnership
August 5, 2022 – Help us shape the future of the Read House & Gardens landscape!
The George Read II House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark owned and operated by the Delaware Historical Society, has announced a transformative campaign to make its landscape socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable for the next generation. Planning will encompass the entire 2.5 acres of grounds surrounding the 1804 Read House, which is situated in the town’s historic core with substantial Delaware River frontage. Ultimately, the project will reconcile the gardens’ multi-layered history with Old New Castle’s legacy of beautiful design and the Society’s contemporary mission to “educate, inspire, and empower people and communities.”
Please register to participate in a public input meeting on Thursday, August 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. As a vital part of the design process, David Rubin and members of the Land Collective team will facilitate a series of exercises to gather community wisdom.
Belton and Bulah VS. Gebhart: The Fight to End School Segregation in Delaware
August 4, 2022 – Watch the latest episode of Speaking of Delaware…!
In 1954, five cases involving segregation in schools arrived at the Supreme Court, joined together under Brown vs. the Board of Education. Two of those cases originated in Delaware. Hear the story of how Belton Versus Gebhart and Bulah vs Gebhart shaped the course of history. Learn more by visiting the Journey to Freedom exhibit at the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage and Delaware History Museum.
For more information about Belton and Bulah VS. Gebhart, be sure to check out our digital exhibition, Forging Faith, Building Freedom, browse our collections, watch Journey to Freedom: Exhibition Tour, or come see Journey to Freedom and other exhibitions by visiting the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage!
August Quarterly Family and Community Day
August 4, 2022 – Pay what you wish event!
The Delaware Historical Society, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, and our community partners are excited to introduce seasonal family programming Saturdays. Together we will explore Delaware’s most distinctive people, places, and events.
In collaboration with the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center and Christina Cultural Arts Center, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage at the Delaware History Museum invites families to join us as we celebrate the legacies of Peter Spencer and his contemporaries in Delaware’s Black church communities.
Delaware Historical Society Digital Collections
Delaware Historical Society’s Digital Collections is the place to find rich historical content about Delaware!
DHS holds the nation’s largest private collection of materials related to the history of Delaware, with over 3 million items in the Library and Museum collections. DHS’s Digital Collections offers online access to a select portion of digitized materials from our collections, with new items added regularly. Users can browse, search, and, in most cases, download digitized items for research.
Read House & Gardens Tours
The Read House is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Interior Tours (The New Tour) begin on the hour. The last tour begins at 3 p.m. Exhibit is self-guided during open hours.
Open-Air Tours begin at 12 p.m. on Sundays in July. Tickets available on-site only on a first-come-first-served basis.
Advanced reservations required for groups of 8 or more.
Support
The Delaware Historical Society is one of the largest providers of student programs in the First State, and the home of National History Day in Delaware. Your support helps us to preserve and present priceless collections and allows us to keep telling all the ever-expanding stories of Delaware’s past and present. Today is already history!
Become a Member
Be the first to know about new exhibitions and programs at the Delaware Historical Society. Receive invitations to special events and Member gatherings. Meet others who share your interests in Delaware history. Stay informed and take advantage of all that we have to offer by becoming a Member! Members help us give life to history!
Our Collections
The Delaware Historical Society holds the nation’s largest privately held collection of material relating to Delaware history with approximately 3 million items in its library and museum collections.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Family and Community Day
Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage 504 N Market Street, Wilmington, DEFamily & Community Day Saturday, August 20, 2022, 1- 3 pm Delaware History Museum 504 N. Market St. Wilm., DE 19801 The Delaware Historical Society, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell […]
