Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center
Explore Delaware's past and African American heritage through engaging exhibits in a historic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Delaware's past and African American heritage through engaging exhibits in a historic setting.
"A well-kept secret with amazing insights into Delaware's history, especially its Black heritage."
Student Discount Alert! :moneybag:
College students with ID pay only $5 for admission. A great deal for history buffs!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
You might not see everything in one visit. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
African American Heritage
Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
Explore impactful stories of Black excellence, resilience, and contributions to Delaware's history.
Delaware State History
Main Museum Galleries
Discover artifacts and narratives spanning from colonial times to modern achievements.
Old Town Hall
Adjacent to the Museum
Step into a historic 18th-century building that adds a tangible layer to the state's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Delaware History Museum
Uncover Wilmington's Stories
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Student Discount Alert! :moneybag:
College students with ID pay only $5 for admission. A great deal for history buffs!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
You might not see everything in one visit. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore.
Parking Meters Nearby :car:
Market Street parking is mostly metered with a 2-hour maximum. Factor this into your visit.
Deep Dive into Black History :raised_hands:
The Mitchell Center offers profound insights into Delaware's Black history, including civil rights and education.
Tips
from all over the internet
Student Discount Alert! :moneybag:
College students with ID pay only $5 for admission. A great deal for history buffs!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
You might not see everything in one visit. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore.
Parking Meters Nearby :car:
Market Street parking is mostly metered with a 2-hour maximum. Factor this into your visit.
Deep Dive into Black History :raised_hands:
The Mitchell Center offers profound insights into Delaware's Black history, including civil rights and education.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Delaware History Museum for its well-done exhibits, particularly the extensive and impactful section on Black history in Delaware, covering topics like education and civil rights. The museum is considered a well-kept secret, offering great value with reasonable pricing and student discounts. However, some feel the historical narrative could be more inclusive of indigenous perspectives.
"This museum is so well done. They had a lot of interesting artifacts and explanations covering a range of state history. The best thing, though, was the section on black history in DE. Absolutely well done! I learned things that I have never heard before, particularly about the state of schools for the black population 100 years ago, which promoted the Dupont family to reach into their own pockets to make a difference in the lives of these children. I also learned that DE played a role on the plaintiff's side in Brown vs. the Board of Ed, and even information about DE's involvement in the underground railroad. This place is a well-kept secret! Very reasonably priced, as well, and it even has student discounts. I would definitely go again. I'm pretty sure that I didn't even see everything!"
Nadia R.
"Amazing. My visit made me want to learn so much more about Delaware"
CRYSTAL MizChampagne
"This was an interesting museum. I enjoyed the Delaware history exhibits and the African American exhibits. Old Town Hall was also interesting"
Raymond Ellis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Wilmington. Public transportation options are available, and parking is typically found on Market Street via meters.
Yes, parking is available along Market Street, but most spots are metered with a 2-hour maximum. Consider public transport if you plan a longer visit.
Check local Wilmington transit schedules for bus routes that stop near the museum in the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, with student discounts available for college students with ID, making it an affordable experience.
Yes, college students with a valid ID can enjoy a discounted admission price of $5.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Delaware Historical Society website before your visit to confirm current times.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
The museum strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility information regarding exhibits and facilities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on Delaware's state history, including its colonial past and modern developments, as well as a dedicated section on African American heritage.
This center within the museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history, culture, and achievements of African Americans in Delaware, highlighting their significant contributions.
Yes, Old Town Hall, an 18th-century building, is an interesting part of the museum experience, offering a glimpse into historical architecture.
Many visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits, as there's a lot of detailed information to absorb.
The museum occasionally hosts events, gallery talks, and performances, such as jazz nights or illustration talks. Check their schedule for upcoming activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are many dining options available in the surrounding downtown Wilmington area.
Generally, it's best to consume food and beverages outside the exhibit areas to protect the artifacts. Check with museum staff for specific policies.
The downtown Wilmington area offers a variety of eateries, from casual cafes to more formal dining establishments, catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal, non-flash photography is often permitted for non-commercial use, but it's wise to confirm with museum staff.
Certain exhibits or artifacts may have restrictions on photography to protect them. Always look for signage or ask a museum attendant.
The exterior of Old Town Hall and some of the more visually striking artifacts within the exhibits can make for great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for families, consider focusing on specific exhibits that might capture children's attention, such as visually interesting artifacts or stories of local heroes. Planning for the 2-hour parking limit on Market Street is also advisable.
🎓 Budget Travelers & Students
Beyond the low cost, the museum offers a wealth of knowledge that rivals more expensive attractions. The comprehensive exhibits on state history and the impactful narratives within the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage provide a rich educational experience without breaking the bank. It's a well-kept secret for those looking for enriching activities on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Delaware's African American Heritage
One reviewer highlighted learning about the Dupont family's involvement in supporting Black children's education, a detail that underscores the complex social fabric of Delaware's past. The museum also sheds light on the state's role as a plaintiff's side in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case, demonstrating its significance in the national civil rights movement. The depth of information presented ensures that visitors leave with a more comprehensive understanding of Delaware's history, moving beyond a singular narrative.
It's important to note that while the museum excels in these areas, some feedback suggests a desire for even broader historical perspectives, particularly concerning the indigenous populations who were present before colonization. However, the current focus on state history and African American heritage is exceptionally well-executed and highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand Delaware's multifaceted past.
Navigating the Museum and Its Surroundings
When planning your visit, keep in mind that parking in the downtown Wilmington area, particularly along Market Street, primarily consists of metered spots with a time limit. This means that for longer visits, you might need to factor in the cost of parking or consider alternative transportation methods like public transit.
For those looking to extend their historical exploration, the museum is part of a larger campus managed by the Delaware Historical Society, which includes other historic buildings like the Coxe House and the Jacobs-Ferris House. This offers a broader context for understanding Wilmington's historical development and the various institutions that preserve its legacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit