Tag: Delaware History Museum

Delaware Community Preservation Lab

Every Delawarean has a history worth preserving. Yet personal, community, and organizational collections filled with photographs, letters, quilts, scrapbooks, posters, and other keepsakes are often at risk from humidity, common pests, poor storage, and the passage of time.

The DCPL empowers people with simple, practical techniques to care for these items and, if they choose, to preserve them in digital form. Using everyday technology like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and scanners, participants will learn how to document and store physical objects in digital spaces.

We know digital processes can feel overwhelming, so the Lab offers step-by-step support and resources to make preservation easy, approachable, and accessible, ensuring these objects and stories can be shared for generations to come.

Free event, registration required. Register here.

Questions? Check out the FAQ page.

Historic Perspectives Photo Walk

Explore Delaware history through a new lens during the Historic Perspectives Photo Walk in downtown Wilmington.

Presented by the Delaware Historical Society in partnership with 1865 studios, this guided walking tour invites participants to discover the stories, architecture, and details that connect Wilmington’s past to the city we see today. Along the way, participants will use their smartphones to photograph historic locations, compare past and present views, and learn simple techniques for composition, perspective, light, and visual storytelling.

No photography experience or special equipment is needed. Just bring a charged smartphone, comfortable walking shoes, and a willingness to slow down and see Wilmington differently.

The November tour will focus on the buildings and views of Market Street from 7th to 10th Streets.

Tickets $25. Purchase here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/historic-photo-walk

Historic Perspectives Photo Walk

Explore Delaware history through a new lens during the Historic Perspectives Photo Walk in downtown Wilmington.

Presented by the Delaware Historical Society in partnership with 1865 studios, this guided walking tour invites participants to discover the stories, architecture, and details that connect Wilmington’s past to the city we see today. Along the way, participants will use their smartphones to photograph historic locations, compare past and present views, and learn simple techniques for composition, perspective, light, and visual storytelling.

No photography experience or special equipment is needed. Just bring a charged smartphone, comfortable walking shoes, and a willingness to slow down and see Wilmington differently.

Tickets $25. Purchase here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/historic-photo-walk

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.

Independence in Action!

A day full of adventure, discovery, and revolutionary spirit! No matter your age, experience history during this family-friendly celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.  

Start the afternoon at Old Town Hall with Delaware Shakespeare performing “Embers of Freedom: Independence through the Eyes of Many,” an expansive, performative reading of the Declaration of Independence that weaves in writings from voices that were underrepresented in the original creation of the Declaration.

Following the performance, join us for family-friendly, hands-on activities throughout our Wilmington campus.

  • Make paper and ink from scratch — Try crafting the same materials the Founders used to write and share their boldest ideas.
  • Write like a Revolutionary — Pick up a quill and see if you have what it takes to draft history.
  • Escape Old Town Hall and sign the Declaration — Can you break free and add your name to the most famous document in American history?
  • Revolutionary Espionage — Test your wits in a mission inspired by the secret world of colonial spies.
  • Uncover Revolutionary Artifacts — Go behind the scenes with the Delaware Historical Society to explore revolutionary-era documents from our collections.
  • Learn to protect your family’s treasures — Bring your own family artifacts to the Delaware Historical Society to learn preservation tips and receive assistance scanning them so they can be safely preserved in digital form.

The event is free. Registration is required for the Delaware Shakespeare performance in Old Town Hall at 12 p.m. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/july3

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

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.

**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.

 

Jazz Concert: William Penn High School Jazz Performance

Join us for an exciting jazz performance by William Penn High School’s talented jazz bands at the Delaware History Museum and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage.

Register Below

Join us for an exciting jazz performance by William Penn High School’s talented jazz bands at the Delaware History Museum and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, located at 504 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19801. The event will take place on April 8th from 12 PM to 2 PM ET.

Before the concert, take a stroll through our jazz exhibit showcasing Wilmington’s rich history and enjoy light refreshments. The program itinerary is as follows:

  • 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM: Explore the “Journey to Freedom” exhibition and grab some refreshments in the Old Town Hall.
  • 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM: Head to the Copeland Room on the second floor of the museum.
  • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Enjoy the jazz concert featuring William Penn’s Jazz bands!

On-street parking is FREE after 6 PM and on weekends! For more parking information, click here: https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/plan/maps-directions/parking-in-wilmington/
Please note that seats are limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged. We suggest a donation of $5 to help us continue providing quality events!

Your generous contributions are greatly appreciated. Please consider making an optional donation to support our events. Thank you!

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