The Research Library
Visit the Research Library
The Delaware Historical Society Research Library will be closed from May 29-June 20 as we make final preparations to reveal the building’s newly restored façade and refreshed reading room. We will resume normal operations on June 23, 2025. Thank you for your patience.
Collecting and preserving Delaware materials for over 150 years, the Delaware Historical Society has a rich and varied collection of books, ephemera, newspapers, serials, maps, manuscripts and photographs relating to the history of Delaware and its people.
Visitors can access library and archival materials at the Research Library.
Hours
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
MON, TUE, THU, FRI: 9 am – 1 pm
WED, SAT, SUN: Closed
Open every third Saturday of the month, excluding December, from 10 am – 4 pm.
Closed major holidays
Research Visits
Anyone can use the library free of charge, but fees apply for photocopying, use of cellphones or digital cameras, and other imaging services. For detailed information on fees and additional research services, please visit our Research page.
Before a visit, we encourage you to learn more about our collections and to search our online catalogs.
Visitors can also do on-site research using our extensive object collection, located separately in the Delaware History Museum. Please contact our Curator of Objects, Jennifer Potts, by email or phone (302) 295-2389 to arrange a research visit.
Delaware Historical Society’s Digital Collections
One of our most frequently asked questions is how to view Delaware Historical Society (DHS) collections online. Now you can!
Search our new digital asset management system (DAMS) from your favorite device wherever you are with access to the internet. Check out what we have digitized. More will be added each month, so continue to come back for updates.
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