Visiting Delaware’s Historical Museums

Delaware is a small state that packs a lot of history. With a rich colonial past and a key role in the American Revolution, there are plenty of historical attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re interested in the history of the first settlers, exploring the legacy of the Revolutionary War, or uncovering the secrets of the state’s maritime heritage, there’s something to discover in every corner of the state. Here’s a look at some of the best historical museums in Delaware.

The Old State House

The Old State House in Dover, Delaware, is one of the oldest surviving statehouses in the United States. Built in 1791, the building served as the Delaware State Capitol until 1933. Today, it is a museum dedicated to the history of the state. Visitors can explore the history of the building, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artifacts from the Revolutionary War. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits, as well as guided tours.

The Zwaanendael Museum

Located in Lewes, Delaware, the Zwaanendael Museum is dedicated to the history of the Dutch settlers who founded the town in 1631. The museum, which was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the settlement, is housed in a replica of the town hall that stood in the original settlement. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the town and its settlers, as well as learn about the Dutch customs and culture that shaped the settlement. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.

The Delaware History Museum

The Delaware History Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, is the state’s official museum of history. The museum features a variety of exhibits on the state’s history, including the colonial era, the Revolutionary War, and the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can also explore the history of the state’s Native American tribes and the role of slavery in the state’s history. The museum also hosts a variety of special programs and events throughout the year.

The Johnson Victrola Museum

The Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of the iconic Victrola phonograph. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the machine, as well as get an up-close look at some of the earliest recordings made on the machine. The museum also houses a collection of artifacts related to the history of the Victrola, including rare advertising pieces and original recordings. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.

The Air Mobility Command Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of the United States Air Force. The museum features a variety of aircraft, including historic warplanes and modern jets. Visitors can explore the history of the Air Force, as well as get an up-close look at some of the aircraft on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The New Castle Historical Society

The New Castle Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of New Castle, Delaware. The society operates a museum that houses a variety of artifacts related to the town’s history, including historic maps, photographs, and documents. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the town, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artifacts on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Hagley Museum and Library

The Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of business and technology in the United States. The museum features a variety of artifacts related to the history of business and technology, including machines, tools, and documents. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of American business and technology, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artifacts on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of art in the United States. The museum features a variety of artwork, from colonial-era paintings to modern art. Visitors can explore the history of American art, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artwork on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of American art. The museum features a variety of artwork, from colonial-era paintings to modern art. Visitors can explore the history of American art, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artwork on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Lewes Historical Society

The Lewes Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Lewes, Delaware. The society operates a museum that houses a variety of artifacts related to the town’s history, including maps, photographs, and documents. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the town, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artifacts on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Delaware Historical Society

The Delaware Historical Society in Wilmington, Delaware, is the state’s official repository for historical documents and artifacts. The society operates a museum that houses a variety of artifacts related to the state’s history, including maps, photographs, and documents. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the state, as well as get an up-close look at some of the artifacts on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

The Delaware Museum of Natural History

The Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington, Delaware, is dedicated to the history of the natural world. The museum features a variety of exhibits on the natural history of the area, including fossils, plants, and wildlife. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the natural world, as well as get an up-close look at some of the specimens on display. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.

Delaware is a small state with a big history. From colonial-era artifacts to modern-day artifacts, there’s something for everyone to explore in the state’s many historical museums. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Revolutionary War, the history of business and technology, or the history of the natural world, there’s something to discover in every corner of the state.

Summary

Delaware is a small state with a big history. From colonial-era artifacts to modern-day artifacts, there’s something for everyone to explore in the state’s many historical museums. The Old State House, the Zwaanendael Museum, the Delaware History Museum, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Air Mobility Command Museum, the New Castle Historical Society, the Hagley Museum and Library, the Delaware Art Museum, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Lewes Historical Society, the Delaware Historical Society, and the Delaware Museum of Natural History are just a few of the many historical attractions in Delaware. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Revolutionary War, the history of business and technology, or the history of the natural world, there’s something to discover in every corner of the state.