About Us

Our Mission

The Delaware Historical Society is a non-profit organization that preserves, promotes, and shares Delaware’s history in a welcoming environment to educate, inspire, and empower people and communities.

Our Vision

The Delaware Historical Society was founded in May 1864 for “the elucidation of history, particularly such portions as may refer to Delaware.” Over the next 15 decades, the organization refined its stated purpose to reflect both a changing society and the evolution of the public history profession.

Today, the Delaware Historical Society endeavors to be a national model for engaging a diverse citizenry in Delaware’s unique history through the documentation, interpretation, presentation, and preservation of our state’s artifacts, buildings, and stories.

Our Values

The Delaware Historical Society:

• Adheres to the highest professional standards and best practices as prescribed by organizations such as the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) , the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA);
• Practices exemplary stewardship in managing all its resources;
• Sponsors programs and provides services which are accurate, engaging, inclusive, entrepreneurial, and innovative;
• Is an active and valuable participant in mission-related partnerships and collaborations;
• Encourages broad participation and perspectives in programming; and
• Fosters a climate of respect, collegiality, and professionalism at work and in the community.

Our Partnerships

DHS partners with numerous civic and, cultural organizations, higher education institutions, government agencies, historic sites, businesses, and other nonprofit groups, including: