Delaware History Museum "Whales, Weirs and Waterfowl" exhibition (Photo by Gregory Coin)
Did you ever wonder why Delaware is called the “First State”? It’s because Delaware was the first state to ratify the United State Constitution on December 7, 1787. But there’s a lot more to Delaware’s past than a brief but pivotal moment in history, and it’s the job of the Delaware Historical Society – the third oldest historical society in America – to help people discover, explore and share that history. So if you’re a first- time visitor to Wilmington or the Brandywine Valley, your first stop needs to be the Delaware History Museum in the Lower Market Street National Historical District.
The Museum is located on the Wilmington campus of the Delaware Historical Society, which also includes a Research Library, Old Town Hall, and several historic houses surrounding a beautiful urban courtyard. It houses two major galleries, the Delaware Store, and “Grandma’s Attic,” as well as a conference room and several classrooms. One gallery houses a permanent exhibition tracing the history of the First State, entitled “Distinctively Delaware.” The second is a changing exhibition gallery featuring exhibitions of special interest on timely topics. And right now the special exhibition is “Whales, Weirs and Waterfowl: Delawareans Working on the Water” through November 28.
Nothing has made more of impact on Delaware through the years than its relationship with water – all kinds of water. The Christina River runs right through the middle of Wilmington, and was a major center for American ship-building during World War II. The city’s second river, the Brandywine, is perhaps best known as the ancestral home of the du Pont family and company. But both are dwarfed by the majestic Delaware River that brought European adventurers into the region more than 400 years ago. And, of course, there is the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal – the third busiest canal in the world – that connects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay. But it’s Delaware’s pristine inland waterways and wetlands that make the First State a haven for fish and wildlife as well as visitors from all over America. “Whales, Weirs and Waterfowl” tells all of those stories and more, so start your visit to Wilmington at the Delaware History Museum at 505 Market Street just five blocks north of AMTRAK Station and the Christina riverfront restaurants and shops.
TravelTip: The Wilmington Trolley stops right in front of the Delaware History Museum and gives visitors direct access to many of the City’s most important downtown attractions, hotels and transportation hubs. Park for free at the Shipyard Shops Monday through Saturday and take the trolley to the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, Delaware Theatre Company, AMTRAK Station, Delaware Historical Society, Grand Opera House, Rodney Square and the historic Hotel Dupont.
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