Delaware History Trail
Expiration: Mar 16th 2025
The Delaware History Trail is an interactive trail that spotlights 30 + culturally significant locations throughout the state of Delaware! The trail includes regal estates and gardens, historic riverside towns, coastal landmarks, colonial scenes, and so much more throughout the state for you to visit.
History in Delaware is a story to be told, a story to be heard, and a story that is all your own. The steps to creating your very own historic story with the Delaware History Trail can be as easy as one, two, three! 1. Start planning. 2. Explore locations. 3. Check in and win!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Abbott's Mill Nature Center of Delaware Nature Society
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is a historic Delaware attraction with pristine trails and waterways, including a Visitor’s Center with a designated kids’ corner, close encounters with live animals, and a historic working gristmill. At the Nature Center, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as pet-friendly trail hikes, kayak rentals on the site’s 20-acre pond, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk following the streams to a picnic area.
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Air Mobility Command Museum
Located on the grounds of Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum is the only institution in the country dedicated to airlift and air refueling history. The facility was established in 1986 in historic Hangar 1301, a World War II-era site for the top-secret development of rocket weaponry, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring a fascinating collection of rare vintage aircraft. Climb aboard planes ranging from World War II propeller aircraft to current four-engine jet transports. Try out the flight simulators, enjoy free guided tours and much more.
The main floor of the display hangar, museum store, and restrooms are handicapped accessible. The C-141B Starlifter aircraft outside has a ramp for wheelchair access.
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The main floor of the display hangar, museum store, and restrooms are handicapped accessible. The C-141B Starlifter aircraft outside has a ramp for wheelchair access.
Barratt's Chapel & Museum
Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, Delaware, is the oldest surviving church building in the United States built by and for Methodists. Known as the "Cradle of Methodism," the site is an officially designated Heritage Landmark of the United Methodist Church. Constructed in 1780, this simple but stately brick house of worship was where pioneers Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury met in 1784 to plan the establishment of the Methodist Church as an independent denomination.
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Cooch's Bridge Historic Site
The Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site includes the Cooch Homestead and Cooch-Dayett Mill complex. The site tells the story of a Revolutionary War battle, the history of enslavement in Delaware, early industrialization, preservation of natural lands, the social history of Delaware farm life and more.
Copeland Maritime Center at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard
Visit the Copeland Maritime Center and immerse yourself in this fascinating cornerstone of Delaware history. Learn why the Swedes and Finns settled in the Delaware Valley, where the Kalmar Nyckel came from, and how we sail a full-scale replica of the original ship. The center plays host to educational field trips; crew training classes; visitors, families, and international travelers; and private parties and events for regional businesses and organizations. Be sure to mark your calendar for our family-oriented annual LEGO Brick Shipbuilding Contest, Captain Kidd's Pirate Day, and Halloween Ghost Ship events.
The Copeland Maritime Center is fully accessible. Steps are required to board the Kalmar Nyckel; the historic ship is not wheelchair accessible.
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The Copeland Maritime Center is fully accessible. Steps are required to board the Kalmar Nyckel; the historic ship is not wheelchair accessible.
Delaware Agricultural Museum
Celebrating Delaware’s rich agricultural heritage, a visit here is a must for anyone with an interest in First State history. The large Exhibit Hall contains a fascinating collection of artifacts and displays. Also included on the grounds is Loockerman Landing Village. Representing rural community life in the 1890s, it includes a store, church, school, and other buildings that were relocated here from around the state.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, but some of the structures in the village may not be. There are no paved walkways in the village.
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The museum is wheelchair accessible, but some of the structures in the village may not be. There are no paved walkways in the village.
Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
The Delaware Historical Society’s History Center complex is composed of three distinct pieces: Built in 1798-1800, Wilmington’s Old Town Hall was the center of the city’s political and social life for much of the 19th century. The nearby Delaware History Museum & Mitchell Center for African American Heritage features a rotating display of exhibits highlighting the history of the state and its people. Cross the street and you can stroll the courtyard of Willingtown Square, which consists of six relocated historic houses and the Society’s outstanding Delaware history research facility.
The Delaware History Museum, Mitchell Center for African American History, Old Town Hall, the Research Library, and Willingtown Square are accessible. The second floor of the Delaware History Museum and Old Town Hall are accessible by elevator. The Research Library and Willingtown Square are accessible via a ramp off Market Street by the gate near the bell. There are two (2) meters designated for accessible parking on each side of Market Street between 5th and 6th streets. There is an accessible bathroom on the first floor of the Delaware History Museum, equipped with a changing table. Additional bathrooms are located on the second floor and are accessible by elevator. The first floor of the library has an accessible bathroom.
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The Delaware History Museum, Mitchell Center for African American History, Old Town Hall, the Research Library, and Willingtown Square are accessible. The second floor of the Delaware History Museum and Old Town Hall are accessible by elevator. The Research Library and Willingtown Square are accessible via a ramp off Market Street by the gate near the bell. There are two (2) meters designated for accessible parking on each side of Market Street between 5th and 6th streets. There is an accessible bathroom on the first floor of the Delaware History Museum, equipped with a changing table. Additional bathrooms are located on the second floor and are accessible by elevator. The first floor of the library has an accessible bathroom.
Duck Creek Historical Society
The Duck Creek Historical Society (DCHS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational membership organization that was founded in 1960. DCHS staffs and maintains the Smyrna Museum and Plank House in Historic Downtown Smyrna, Delaware, known as the Smyrna Museum Complex.
The Barracks is home to the Smyrna Museum and is open every Saturday from 10 am-1 pm for visitors. Call to set up appointments for groups during the week.
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The Barracks is home to the Smyrna Museum and is open every Saturday from 10 am-1 pm for visitors. Call to set up appointments for groups during the week.
Fort Delaware State Park
Fort Delaware, an island fortress dating back to 1859, once housed Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, and is known for its hands-on historical experiences. Originally built in the Delaware River to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia, the fort is accessible via a ½-mile ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island. Here, costumed interpreters take you back to the summer of 1864, encouraging visitors to live the experience: Help the blacksmith hammer out new parts for cannon, or work with the laundress. Be on hand when the 8-inch Columbiad gun fires a live gunpowder charge! Paranormal tours are offered in the fall and living history interpretation is offered year-round.
Open April 30 - September 24, Wednesday - Sunday and Holidays.
The ground floor of the fort is handicap accessible, but the upper floors are not. Please notify ticket office staff if assistance will be needed.
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Open April 30 - September 24, Wednesday - Sunday and Holidays.
The ground floor of the fort is handicap accessible, but the upper floors are not. Please notify ticket office staff if assistance will be needed.
Fort Miles Historic Area
Set among the dunes near Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Miles Historical Area was one of our nation’s most important East Coast defensive fortifications during World War II. Guided tours by uniformed interpreters and opportunities to climb a concrete spotting tower offering scenic vistas of the seascape and surrounding areas are just two of the many activities that make this such a special place to visit.
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Hagley Museum
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company, founded in Delaware in 1802. Once powered by the natural resources that surrounded it, the gunpowder works sit amid 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River and feature hundreds of stone remnants of the gunpowder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream.
Most of Hagley’s buildings are accessible for persons with disabilities but not all historic structures can accommodate wheelchairs. A bus that accommodates wheelchairs makes regular runs throughout the property and wheelchairs are available in the Visitor Center.
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Most of Hagley’s buildings are accessible for persons with disabilities but not all historic structures can accommodate wheelchairs. A bus that accommodates wheelchairs makes regular runs throughout the property and wheelchairs are available in the Visitor Center.
Historic Odessa Foundation | Historic Houses of Odessa
Once a busy Delaware Bay port town known for the shipment of grain and other agricultural products, Odessa can lay claim to some of the finest examples of 18th and 19th century architecture in the state. Visit five historic houses and nearly 20 acres of surrounding property, outbuildings, and gardens. An outstanding private collection of household furnishings, fine and decorative arts, along with a variety of programs and tours, bring this Colonial enclave to life, all year long.
The Visitor Center for the Historic Odessa is located on the main floor of The Odessa Bank c. 1855 and houses special exhibits, information center, and accessible restrooms. Visitors are ticketed and leave on guided tours from this location. The Visitors Center and Cantwell's Tavern are fully accessible. The Corbit-Sharp House, Collins-Sharp House and Wilson-Warner Houses are partially accessible.
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The Visitor Center for the Historic Odessa is located on the main floor of The Odessa Bank c. 1855 and houses special exhibits, information center, and accessible restrooms. Visitors are ticketed and leave on guided tours from this location. The Visitors Center and Cantwell's Tavern are fully accessible. The Corbit-Sharp House, Collins-Sharp House and Wilson-Warner Houses are partially accessible.
Indian River Life-Saving Station, Delaware Seashore State Park
Constructed in 1876 by the United States Life-Saving Service, this carefully restored landmark reminds us of the many perils endured by those who sailed Atlantic waters during the heyday of coastal trading. Located mid-way between Rehoboth and Bethany Beach, the station and its scenic setting provide visitors of all ages with opportunities to learn about this important period in our nation’s past while experiencing one of Delaware’s most beautiful places.
Hours of Operation: April through October, Open Daily 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; November through March, Open Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The first floor of the museum is ADA accessible.
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Hours of Operation: April through October, Open Daily 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; November through March, Open Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The first floor of the museum is ADA accessible.
John Dickinson Plantation
Home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution, and "Penman of the Revolution." The Plantation features Dickinson's original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and "log'd" dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River. Hear the stories of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children who lived, worked, and died here.
The visitor center and first floor of the mansion are accessible to people with disabilities.
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The visitor center and first floor of the mansion are accessible to people with disabilities.
Johnson Victrola Museum
A tribute to Delaware native Eldridge Reeves Johnson, this museum documents his achievements as a recording industry pioneer, inventor, and successful businessman during the first quarter of the 20th century. Exhibits include phonographs, recordings, and other artifacts associated with the origins of the recording industry and Johnson’s career.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
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Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights
Take a step back in time to experience what life was like at the dawn of the automotive age at the Marshall Steam Museum in Hockessin. The museum houses a collection of automobiles originally belonging to T. Clarence Marshall and features the world’s largest operating collection of Stanly steam cars, a 1916 electric car, and two 1930s Packards.
When booking a private tour, please mention any accessibility needs you or your group might have so that we can make arrangements ahead of time. The museum building is accessible to individuals with disabilities, but the historic mansion may not be due to its many steps, both inside and out. Please advise the F.A.H. office at the time of reservation of any special needs in terms of wheelchairs, walking limitations, etc. for your group, and they will be happy to assist or advise of the existing challenges. Handicap and accessible parking is available within the estate between the Carriage House and the museum or past the museum near the water tower.
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When booking a private tour, please mention any accessibility needs you or your group might have so that we can make arrangements ahead of time. The museum building is accessible to individuals with disabilities, but the historic mansion may not be due to its many steps, both inside and out. Please advise the F.A.H. office at the time of reservation of any special needs in terms of wheelchairs, walking limitations, etc. for your group, and they will be happy to assist or advise of the existing challenges. Handicap and accessible parking is available within the estate between the Carriage House and the museum or past the museum near the water tower.
Milford Museum
Located in Milford's original Post Office Building, the Milford Museum offers visitors a look inside Milford's fascinating history dating back to 1787. Exhibits highlight the role the town played throughout the development of our nation's history such as the Civil War and World War II. Walking Tours and Museum Tours are available.
Housing over 13,000 artifacts, the Milford Museum is a treasure trove of stories. Each item tells its own story about the history of Milford, Delaware, and its surrounding areas. Within its walls, the Milford Museum holds many exhibits, ranging from shipbuilding, medical, military, and so many more. Some exhibits are temporary and will change on a rotating basis.
The building is handicapped accessible. Special tours for individuals and groups can be arranged by contacting the museum.
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Housing over 13,000 artifacts, the Milford Museum is a treasure trove of stories. Each item tells its own story about the history of Milford, Delaware, and its surrounding areas. Within its walls, the Milford Museum holds many exhibits, ranging from shipbuilding, medical, military, and so many more. Some exhibits are temporary and will change on a rotating basis.
The building is handicapped accessible. Special tours for individuals and groups can be arranged by contacting the museum.
Milton Historical Society
Today's town is brimming with theatres, breweries, and tempting restaurants, but Milton also embraces its almost-forgotten past, one that's explored through a unique collection of artifacts reaching back to the 1600s. The Milton Historical Society's exhibits explore early American life through fascinating collections of everyday objects, from photo albums to clothing to books and buttons.
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Nanticoke Indian Museum
This museum's collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, spears, arrow points, and other artifacts is designed to interpret and honor the culture of the Native Americans who have long called Delaware home -- and who still do. Visitors can enjoy oral presentations by the Nanticoke people in a National Historic Landmark building that is owned and operated by the Nanticoke Indian Association. If you are visiting in September, stay for the annual Nanticoke Powwow, when the association welcomes visitors to a festival featuring the customs, food, and dances of the tribe.
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Nemours Estate
Conceived in the style of an 18th-century French mansion, this former DuPont family home features spectacular fountains, immaculate formal gardens, and regal period furnishings. Nemours Estate offers self-guided tours of 200 acres of gardens and grounds, the 77-room Mansion, and the Chauffeur’s Garage with vintage automobiles.
The Mansion is ADA-accessible, as are the paved roads that run through the property; however, some of the gardens and grounds are not.
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The Mansion is ADA-accessible, as are the paved roads that run through the property; however, some of the gardens and grounds are not.
New Castle Court House Museum
Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House served as Delaware's first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State. The museum features tours and exhibits that illustrate Delaware's unique boundaries, law and government, and the Underground Railroad.
The first floor of the courthouse is accessible to people with mobility concerns. Please call 302-323-4453 for assistance with accessible entrance.
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The first floor of the courthouse is accessible to people with mobility concerns. Please call 302-323-4453 for assistance with accessible entrance.
New Castle Historic District
Founded by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, this riverside community was recognized for its historical significance in 1967, when its Colonial-era historic district was designated as a National Landmark. While the list of noteworthy sites here is seemingly endless, highly recommended stops include the Delaware Historical Society’s Read House and Gardens and the three museums operated by the New Castle Historical Society (the Dutch House, the Amstel House, and the old library).
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Please Note: Many of the historic roads of New Castle contain uneven bricks and cobblestones.
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Please Note: Many of the historic roads of New Castle contain uneven bricks and cobblestones.
Old Christ Church
Constructed in 1772, this historic place of worship is one of the few remaining unaltered wooden structures of its age and type in the United States. Located beside Chipman’s Pond approximately two miles east of Laurel, the church has paneled walls, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and wood box pews that are evocative of pre-Revolutionary days, when meeting places such as this were the community centers of rural colonial America. Guided tours are offered on a scheduled basis. Please call for hours of operation.
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Old Swedes Historic Site
The history of Old Swedes Historic Site dates back to 1638, when Swedish and Finnish settlers arrived on the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip and established Fort Christina in what is now Wilmington, Delaware. The site was used as a burial ground for the Fort, but also holds signs of earlier use by the Lenape Native Americans.
Standing the test of time, Old Swedes Church is one of the very few surviving remnants of the New Sweden Colony in the Delaware Valley, and one of the oldest structures in Delaware. It has borne witness to many major events in U.S. history, including the American Revolution, World Wars I & II, and many more. Many individuals significant to local and national history are buried here.
The accessibility entrance to the site is along Church Street. To access this entrance, you will park in the stone parking lot. The entrance is located where the gate and the stone building connect. The entire area has limited wheelchair accessibility due to uneven ground and historic structures.
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Standing the test of time, Old Swedes Church is one of the very few surviving remnants of the New Sweden Colony in the Delaware Valley, and one of the oldest structures in Delaware. It has borne witness to many major events in U.S. history, including the American Revolution, World Wars I & II, and many more. Many individuals significant to local and national history are buried here.
The accessibility entrance to the site is along Church Street. To access this entrance, you will park in the stone parking lot. The entrance is located where the gate and the stone building connect. The entire area has limited wheelchair accessibility due to uneven ground and historic structures.
The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
Nestled along the Delaware Coast where the bay meets the ocean, Lewes is steeped in history, and brimming with things to see and do. Highlights include the State of Delaware’s Zwaanendael Museum, the Lewes History Museum, the Life Saving Station Boathouse, the Cannonball House/Maritime Museum, and the Lightship Overfalls. Be sure to visit the Historical Society's Antique Shop and Gift Shop!
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The Old State House
Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. With additions and modifications, the building continued to serve as the state capitol until 1933. Being the first permanent capitol building in Central Delaware, The Old State House is a fantastic way to learn about Delaware's early history.
The first floor of the State House is accessible to people with disabilities.
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The first floor of the State House is accessible to people with disabilities.
Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
The Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park is a 2.4 acre gathering place where the city formally meets the river. The Park was named for Thomas Garrett who lived in Wilmington’s nearby Quaker Hill neighborhood, where slaves traveling the Underground Railroad often found refuge, and for fellow abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Today it serves as a place for celebration and festivals for Riverfront visitors.
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Wilmington & Western Railroad
Delaware’s historic Red Clay Valley provides the scenic backdrop for this fun and educational “hands-on-history” experience of riding on a vintage train. Established in 1867 to provide freight and passenger service to the local area, the Wilmington and Western is a living link to the days when Delaware’s economic fortunes were tied to the many rail lines that crisscrossed the state. Hours of Operation: Primarily open on the weekends. Reservations are strongly encouraged for nearly all excursions.
The railroad has limited accessibility for handicapped persons. They have a wheelchair lift to board the train, but it is only able to access our passenger cars and the Parlor Car - the lift is not able to access the historic cabooses.
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The railroad has limited accessibility for handicapped persons. They have a wheelchair lift to board the train, but it is only able to access our passenger cars and the Parlor Car - the lift is not able to access the historic cabooses.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
More than fifty years ago, Delaware native Henry Francis DuPont began welcoming visitors to his childhood home, Winterthur, to see its magnificent gardens and view his unsurpassed collection of decorative arts and architecture. Today's visitors to Winterthur Museum and Gardens get to experience the aura and splendor of this 175-room mansion and leave in awe of its vast treasures. Children will enjoy the magical Enchanted Woods and the hands-on experience of the Touch-It Room.
All of Winterthur's exhibition galleries are wheelchair accessible. The Introductory Tour and most other tours of rooms in the house are also accessible.
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All of Winterthur's exhibition galleries are wheelchair accessible. The Introductory Tour and most other tours of rooms in the house are also accessible.
Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware was built to commemorate the Delaware's first European colony by the Dutch. The Zwaanendael Museum's exhibits provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history.
The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.