Delaware Historical Society>Support Delaware Historical Society

Support Delaware Historical Society

Who Makes History?
You do, when you support DHS by making a gift or becoming a member. 

With more than three million items in our collections and nine historic buildings, DHS is the largest statewide nonprofit dedicated to preserving Delaware’s heritage and telling the stories of all Delawareans. Visitors of all ages come to our campuses in Wilmington and New Castle to tour our historic buildings, explore the Delaware History Museum, and engage in programs, exhibitions, lectures, field trips, and tours that examine our rich history.  

Your support is vital to our success. 

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Generous donations and membership help DHS: 

  • Fund programs, classes, lectures, and activities for all ages; 
  • Keep general admission and ticket prices affordable and accessible to our community; 
  • Maintain our facilities and care for our collections; and 
  • Support internships, research projects, exhibitions, and publications. 

How to Give

Annual Fund
Annual fund giving offsets general operating costs, including maintenance of our historic buildings including the National Historic Landmark Read House & Gardens; development of educational programs for students; and daily care of our library and museum collections. Annual fund gifts, tribute gifts, and gifts in memoriam can be directed to a specific area of DHS or applied where they’re most needed.  

Donate Now

Planned Giving
DHS invites donors and friends to make charitable gifts through their wills, trusts or other estate planning strategies to support the organization’s long-term mission. Your gift will have a lasting impact that will help us maintain our collections, programs, historic buildings and operations far into the future. Planned giving donors are honored with admission to our Friends of 1864 society.  

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Gifts to our Collections
DHS is actively filling gaps to tell a more complete story of Delaware and its diverse communities. To begin the donation process, please fill out our Collections Donations Information Form and return to Leigh Rifenburg, Chief Curator. Our Collections & Access team will review the information and contact you regarding our interest in your donation. Please note that we cannot accept all donations.  

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In-Kind Donations
Donations of equipment, supplies, materials, and services fill critical and substantial needs. Please call (302) 655-7161 to speak with a staff member about the material(s) you are considering for in-kind donation. 

Become a Member

Join our mission to preserve, promote, and share Delaware’s history with a DHS membership!  

All DHS members enjoy benefits including:  

  • Unlimited free admission to the Delaware History Museum, Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, and Read House & Gardens; 
  • Complimentary subscriptions to Making History magazine and Delaware History Journal; 
  • 25% off research services;  
  • 15% off event rentals and purchases at the Museum store; and 
  • Discounts at participating local businesses.
Join or Renew

Get more from your membership! 

Join DHS at the Sustaining Level or higher and receive membership access to more than 1,400 museums, galleries, historical societies, zoos, botanical gardens, and more through the North American Reciprocal Musuem (NARM) Association.  

Members at the Sustaining Level or higher also receive complimentary guest passes, additional memberships to give as gifts, and greater discounts at the Museum store.  

Contact the Advancement Office