Tag: American Revolution

Objects, Ideals & Delaware’s Unfinished Revolution

Objects, Ideals & Delaware’s Unfinished Revolution, a new exhibition in partnership with Alexis I. duPont High School, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition pairs objects and archival materials from Delaware Historical Society (DHS) collections with a variety of themes in Delaware’s history, using them as a lens to determine whether Delaware has upheld the primary ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Under the direction of visual arts teacher Mr. Greg Thompson, students from A.I. duPont High School interpreted objects from DHS collections and created original artwork representing key themes in the state’s history, including movement and migration, civil resistance, agriculture and maritime history, and more. The artists selected themes that resonated with their own perspectives as Delawareans and submitted their art along with artist statements explaining their projects and what they hope visitors take away from the exhibition.

The exhibition is on display in the 2nd floor gallery of the Delaware History Museum through the end of 2026 and is included with Museum admission. The Museum is open weekly Wednesday through Saturday from 12 – 5 p.m.

Brewing Change for USA 250

Tea, Boycotts, and the Power of Buying Local

Learn about the history of tea, boycotts during the American Revolution, and how buying local made a difference. Aaron Vederman and Dwayne Foster, co-owners of The Mercury Cafe and Teahouse, will join us to discuss their tea blending process and participants can enjoy their tea in the Read House.

$15/person. Ticket price includes admission to a house tour.
Purchase here.

Revolutionary Spirits

“Huzza!” to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!

Declaring Independence and starting a revolution are thirsty work! Join the Delaware History Museum and Derrick Kelley, owner of Bin 66 Wine & Spirits in Rehoboth, as we discover (and taste!) what 18th century Patriots drank while plotting to overthrow Great Britain. Admission includes tasting, light bites and spirited discussion.

21+ event.
Tickets: $30 non-members / $25 DHS members
Purchase tickets

From the Vault: Revolutionary Singalong

Warm up your voice and tap your toes! Join us as we explore an 18th century songbook from the Delaware Historical Society’s archives. Experience the music of the American Revolution as we discover lively marches and catchy songs that lifted spirits and kept people moving during the Revolutionary Era. Singing and dancing are optional but always encouraged.

$10 a person, Free for members. Registration required. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/revolutionary-singalong

Flags of Our Forefathers: Finding Your Roots in the Revolution

Celebrate Family History Month with the Delaware Historical Society and the Delaware Public Archives!

Discover the most common records used by genealogists as well as lesser-known resources that can be invaluable for those researching their family tree to complete an application for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Some of these resources include Supply Tax records, Journal A, SAR membership applications, and Oaths of Allegiance.

Free event, registration required: https://dhs.givecloud.co/flags-of-our-forefathers

In Common Cause

Join the Delaware Historical Society for a presentation exploring the challenges faced and contributions made by the men and women in Revolutionary Delaware, preserved in the records of the Delaware Public Archives.

Despite its small size, Delaware made significant contributions to the cause of American independence—far more than a single battle or a midnight ride. During the Revolutionary War, Delaware evolved from being part of a larger colony into an independent state, a transformation driven by the sacrifices and efforts of its citizens and civic leaders. These individuals gave their time, resources, and even their personal safety to support the common cause of American freedom.

Free event. Registration required: https://dhs.givecloud.co/in-common-cause
Zoom link provided after registration.

Independence or the Bayonet

Have you ever wanted to learn more about Delaware’s Founding Fathers? Or about what Delaware was doing during the lead-up to the Revolutionary War?

Join Delaware Historical Society and Delaware Public Archives for a presentation covering the stories of Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean from their lives prior to the Revolution, Delaware’s actions during the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence, the fallout, and what the three men did after. In this Zoom program, learn more about Delaware’s Founding Fathers and their involvement in the Revolutionary War.

Free event. Zoom link provided after registration: https://dhs.givecloud.co/independence-or-bayonet

*CANCELLED* Blue Hens & Bugbears: Dawn of the Revolution

*This event has been cancelled*

Join us at the Zwaanendael Museum for an adventure across Delaware where you’re given a seemingly simple task: deliver goods to Chestertown, Maryland. But will you make it? Will the bugbears stop you? And who are you siding with in this impending war?

This is a TTRPG that uses a simplified version of DND 5e with character sheets that are made to be filled out quickly.

Advance tickets required. $10 a person, Free for Delaware Historical Society members.

**CANCELLED** Discover History Saturday: Revolutionary Delaware

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Step back in time and experience Revolutionary Delaware with the Delaware History Museum and the 1st Delaware Regiment this spring! Discover History Saturdays bring history to life for all ages with engaging activities, creative crafts, interactive story time, and more!

Aspiring Revolutionaries will:

  • Get up close with Revolutionary-era reproduction artifacts and uncover the stories they tell.
  • Meet and chat with men and women portraying real Revolutionary-era Delawareans.
  • Discover stories of Delaware’s spy for George Washington, Caesar Rodney’s tie-breaking vote for Independence, and other Delaware Revolutionary War heroes.
  • Explore Delaware’s role in choosing Independence and fighting for freedom.
  • Dress in period clothing, crack a coded spy message, make a tricorn hat, and prepare for Revolution with engaging activities.

Experience is included with regular admission; admission is always FREE for members of the Delaware Historical Society.

The 1st Delaware Regiment is a living history group dedicated to educating the public on Delaware and Delawareans in the American Revolution via living history programs.

 

An Evening with Kathleen DuVal at the Delaware History Museum

The Delaware Historical Society and Huxley & Hiro will host author Kathleen DuVal for a conversation about her award winning book, Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution.

In Independence Lost, Duval recounts an untold story as rich and significant as that of the Founding Fathers: the history of the Revolutionary Era as experienced by enslaved African Americans, American Indians, women, and British loyalists living on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Winner of the Journal of the American Revolution Book of the Year Award • Winner of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey History Prize • Finalist for the George Washington Book Prize

A Q&A and book signing will follow the talk. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Registration required, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-kathleen-duval-at-the-delaware-history-museum-tickets-1755208488839