Delaware Historical Society facts for kids
Logo of the Delaware Historical Society
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| Established | 1864 |
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| Location | 504 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware |
| Type | History |
| Public transit access |  DART First State bus: 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 25, 35, 52 |
The Delaware Historical Society is a group that works to save and share the history of Delaware. It started in 1864 to keep important papers from the Civil War. Over time, it grew into a big organization with several buildings. These include the Delaware History Museum and Old Town Hall in Wilmington. It also cares for the historic Read House & Gardens in New Castle.
The society works with other groups to help people learn about Delaware. They team up with the Delaware Tourism Office and other local visitor centers.
Contents
Discover the Delaware History Center
The main part of the society in Wilmington is called the Delaware History Center. It is located on Lower Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets. This area used to be a busy shopping district. Today, it is known as the LoMa Design District. This name helps promote new growth and changes in the city. The complex even has an arch that goes over the street.
Explore the Delaware History Museum
The Delaware History Museum is the main museum building. It used to be a Woolworth's store, built in 1941. The museum has two main exhibit halls. One exhibit is called "Delaware: One State, Many Stories." Another is "Discover Delaware." There is also a special center for African American Heritage. It is named after Jane and Littleton Mitchell.
Visit Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall was once the city hall for Wilmington. It was built in 1798 in the Federal style of architecture. This building also held the city jail and library. Famous people visited here, like the Marquis de Lafayette. President Andrew Jackson was also a guest at a dinner. In 1851, the body of Senator Henry Clay was honored here.
Wander Through Willingtown Square
Willingtown Square is a special collection of old buildings. These buildings were moved from other parts of downtown Wilmington. They were moved to make space for new, tall buildings. This project started in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration. The square is named after Thomas Willing, who founded Wilmington.
The inside of these buildings are used as offices and meeting rooms for the society. However, visitors can walk through the courtyard and grounds.
| Building Name | Built | Construction Style | Original Use | Year Relocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook-Simms House | 1778 | Flemish bond | Herbal medicine shop, Home | 1976 |
| Catherine Coxe House | 1801 | Band Box | Home | 1976 |
| Margaret Coxe House | 1801 | Band Box | Home | 1976 |
| Jacobs House (also known as Zachariah Ferris House) | 1748 | Flemish bond | Home | 1976 |
| Jacob Dingee House | 1771 | Flemish bond | Cabinet workshop, Home | 1976 |
| Obidiah Dingee House | 1773 | Flemish bond | Cabinet workshop, Home | 1976 |
Research at the Library and Center
The society offers free access to a research library. This library has many unique and special collections. You can find information about Delaware family histories (genealogy), old maps, and the Underground Railroad. There is even a letter from George Washington to Caesar Rodney. Senator William V. Roth's wife gave all his papers to the library.
The library is located at 505 North Market Street. It is in a building that used to be a bank. This building was built in 1930–31 in the art deco style.
Discover the Read House and Gardens
The George Read II House is in New Castle, on the Strand. George Read, Jr. built it in 1801. His father, George Read, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When it was built, this house was the largest in Delaware. It has 22 rooms and covers about 14,000 square feet. The house also has a special room in the basement. This room was used for secret gatherings in the 1920s. The Laird family owned the house at that time. The house was carefully restored in 1986.
See also
