History & Heritage

Explore Southern Delaware's seaside towns and riverside villages and discover fascinating landmarks and attractions that embody its maritime, military, aviation and railroad history.

Georgetown, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Elsie Williams Doll Collection

This exhibit of hundreds of dolls from the Elsie Steele Williams Collection, wife of U.S. Senator John J. Williams, is valued at more than $80,000, and includes famous dolls such as Effanbee, Madam Alexander, Bru and Suzanne Gibson. Located at Delaware Technical and Community College Library, Route 18, Georgetown. Free admission. 302.856.5400

Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum

The museum houses a collection of local structures including barns, a school, a church and a blacksmith shop. Also on display are photographs and a variety of memorabilia from Georgetown and Sussex county. Twenty antique horse-drawn carriages, assembled by Mr. Marvel and donated to the Town of Georgetown after his death in 1988, are also on display as a part of the collection. The museum, operated by the Georgetown Historical Society, is located on South Bedford Street about one mile south of the Circle. Open for tours the first Sunday of each month. 302.855.9660

The Circle

This recently renovated "town square" of Georgetown is listed on the National Historic Register and serves as the backdrop to our County Seat. The Circle boasts a fountain and a landscaped park setting and is located along Route 9 through Georgetown.

Trees of the States Arboretum

Originated in 1976 during the bicentennial celebration, the Trees of the States exhibit is a self-guided walking tour of the official state tree from each of the United States. A walking tour brochure is available. Located on the campus of Delaware Technical and Community College, Route 18, Georgetown. 302.856.5400

Laurel, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Bethel Heritage Museum

This historic village was described as a "toy village come to life" by National Geographic magazine. It was once a busy shipbuilding center and home of the Chesapeake Bay Schooner Rams. Stop by the charming general store while in town. The museum, located on North Main Street, Bethel, has no regular hours, so call ahead. Free admission. 302.875.5871

Laurel Historic District

Laurel is host to more homes on the National Historic Register (800) than any other town in Delaware. Take a tour of Front Street and Indian Trail along scenic Broad Creek. 302.875.9319

Old Christ Church

Built between 1771 and 1772, the chapel is known for its unpainted heart-of-pine interior and that it has never been plumbed, heated, electrified or painted. The church is one of the few unaltered churches surviving from Colonial American times. 302.875.3644

Lewes, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Fisher-Martin House

This historic wood-shingled structure is home to the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. The building dates back to Lewes’ legacy as the first European settlement in Delaware. Located on Kings Highway behind the Zwaanendael Museum. 877.GO.LEWES

Lighthouses

The Breakwater Lighthouse off the coast of Cape Henlopen was commissioned in 1828 by President John Quincy Adams and later decommissioned in 1994. The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, farther from shore, was built in 1901 as the final phase of the outer breakwater. This beacon is the only lighthouse off Delaware’s coast that still operates. The lighthouses can best be seen from Cape Henlopen State Park or the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Tours are available through the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation. Call 302.644.7046 or visit www.delawarebaylights.org

Lewes Historical Complex

This impressive historical complex highlights the Burton-Ingram House, Cannonball House Maritime Museum, Lewes Life-Saving Station Museum, Doctor's Office, Early Plank House, Ellegood House, Midway School #178, Rabbit's Ferry House, Thompson's Country Store and the Ryves Holt House. The Ryves Holt House is the oldest house in Delaware (1665) still standing on its original location - at the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets. Walking tours of the historic complex begin at the Hiram Rodney Burton House on Shipcarpenter Street at Second Street. Guided tours, special educational programming, audio tours, trolley tours and cemetery tours are available. Call 302.645.7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.

Zwaanendael Museum

Milford, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Milford’s Historic Area

Milford is home to three historic districts listed on the National Register and three historic bed and breakfast inns. The town’s architecture is delightful, especially along the streets surrounding the heart of the downtown area at Walnut Street and the Mispillion River.

Milford Museum

Housed in a former post office building, the museum’s permanent exhibits tell the story of the city from its earliest beginnings on the Mispillion River. Exhibits include model ships representing Milford’s maritime past, a 300 piece silver collection, antique dental tools from the local L. D. Caulk Company and an antique doll collection. The museum also houses the E. Millis Hurley Library that has an extensive collection of Delaware history books. Located on Walnut Street in downtown Milford, on N.E. Front Street between US 113 and Route 1. 302.424.1080

Parson Thorne Mansion

Built in the 1730s, the mansion’s unusual architecture progressed from a settler’s dwelling to Georgian and finally, Victorian in style. The home has always held a prominent position in Milford’s history and once overlooked shipbuilding and milling activities on the river. The mansion was home to several famous figures but most notably its namesake, Parson Sydenham Thorne, Milford’s founder. Located on N. W. Front Street, just east of Route 113. 302.422.3115

Millsboro, Dagsboro and Long Neck, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Nanticoke Indian Museum

Featuring artifacts and exhibits that tell the rich history of the Delaware Nanticoke Indian Tribe and other tribes nationwide, this museum also houses an extensive Native American library. The community holds its annual two-day Pow Wow in September, with ceremonial dancing and music, storytelling, Native American crafts and food. Located at Routes 24 and 5, east of Millsboro near the village of Oak Orchard. 302.945.7022

Prince George’s Chapel

This restored mid-18th century Anglican Church is now maintained as a museum by the Friends of Prince George’s Chapel, Inc. It is open for visitation on Sundays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. from June through October. The Chapel is available for worship, weddings and baptisms for all denominations. 302.732.6835

Milton, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Lydia B. Cannon Museum

Exhibits include Milton’s early years, a doctor’s office, early ship building tools and records, a button press (saluting Milton’s significance in the button-making industry) plus many historical photographs and artifacts chronicling the town’s history. The museum is housed in a former church and is adorned with colorful stained glass windows. Located on Union Street in downtown Milton. Free admission. 302.684.8851

Milton’s Historic District

Milton’s historic district contains 198 buildings listed on the National Register and features examples of various architecture styles including Victorian. The former Delaware governors’ home is included. Governor’s Day is celebrated in September with a selection of homes open to the public. 302.684.1010 www.historicmilton.org

Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Anna Hazzard Museum

This camp meeting era building serves as a museum for exhibits relating to the early history of Rehoboth Beach as a religious retreat. Anna Hazzard was a civic leader and former owner of the building. Located on Christian Street. 302.227.7310

The Rehoboth Beach Museum

This museum showcases post – 1891 collections of Rehoboth Beach archives, photographs and memorabilia. The Museum is located next to the Rehoboth Beach Visitors Center at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. For more information call 302.227.7310.

Seaford, Bridgeville, Woodland, Blades and Greenwood, Delaware History & Heritage Attractions

Bridgeville Historical Society Museum

Originally built as the local firehouse in 1911 and later converted into school classrooms in 1924, this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides local historic displays. 302.337.8595

Burton Bros. Hardware

Founded in 1893 and located in downtown Seaford on High Street, Burton’s Hardware is an old-time general store that features the original counter, cash register, tin ceilings, and wooden bins. 302.629.8595

Days Gone by Museum

Located southwest of Seaford in Woodland, this nostalgic museum focuses on the town’s ancestry and the historic Woodland Ferry. Interesting items on display include a logbook of fish sales dating back to the 1870’s, three restored vintage Ford tractors, carpenter’s tools, winger-type washing machines and other artifacts. 302.629.9889

Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation

This 1859 mansion is the former home of Delaware Governor William Henry Harrison Ross and is one of the few examples of Italian Renaissance architecture on the East Coast. The plantation complex also includes outbuildings such as a granary and recently renovated original slave quarters. A new feature is the Honeymoon Cottage, which was built for son James upon his marriage around 1860. It now serves as a welcome center. Located on North Pine Street, off of Stein Highway (Route 20) on the north side of Seaford. Call 302.628.9500 or visit www.seafordhistoricalsociety.com

Seaford Museum

Located in a historic post office in downtown Seaford, this new museum features memorabilia from the town’s history, including the DuPont nylon legacy and other changing exhibits. A recent addition includes a bust of well-known Seaford resident Wright Robinson by famous Delaware sculptor Charles Parks. Located at 203 High Street toward the river. Call 302.628.9828 or visit www.seafordhistoricalsociety.com

Seaford Fire Museum

Seaford's first fire engine, the 1921 Seagraves Engine #1, is housed in the Fire Museum on High Street. The museum is a joint project of the city and the volunteer fire department. 302.629.8595

UNOI Grain Mill

Formerly known as the Hearn & Rawlins Mill, this working gristmill still produces and sells corn meal, flour, and pancake mixes. Located on US 13A north of Seaford at Hearn’s Pond. 302.629.4083

Woodland Ferry

The small cable-run ferry crossing the Nanticoke River is one of the last remaining ferries of its kind on the East Coast. Established in 1793 by the Cannon family, the ferry once served as a major river crossing and trading center for locals and travelers. Today it transports up to 3 vehicles at a time across the scenic Nanticoke River. Located between Middleford Road and Woodland Road southwest of Seaford. The town of Woodland hosts an annual festival honoring the history of the ferry. 302.629.9690, www.woodlandferry.net

Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island

Bethany Beach Museum

The museum hosts a collection representing the history of Bethany Beach from 1901 through today. Located in the Bethany Beach Town Hall on Garfield Parkway and Route 1, Bethany Beach. 302.539.8011 or www.townofbethanybeach.com.

Chief Little Owl

This 26 foot totem pole is named in honor of a chief of the Delaware's native Nanticoke Indians. It has been a work in progress since 1976. Carved by Peter Toth, Chief Little Owl is a welcoming sight at the intersection of Route 1 and Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse

This 87-foot tall light was authorized by the U.S. Government Lighthouse Board in 1858 as a navigational point for sailors who could see the light from 15 miles at sea. Its brick walls are 27 inches thick. The site includes early photos of Fenwick Island, artifacts and a souvenir shop. Located just off Route 54, Fenwick Island. Call for hours. Open on most days in season. Free admission. 302.436.8100

Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum

Originally constructed in 1879, this historic landmark has been restored by the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, and is now open to the public as a state-of-the-art learning center and museum. Learn about the drama of heroes who risked their lives during rescues at sea. Located on Route 1 north of the Indian River Inlet between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Open most days with admission fee. 302.227.6991.

Transpeninsular Marker

A carved stone below the Fenwick Island Lighthouse marks the eastern terminus of a 70-mile long survey line connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The Transpeninsular Line marks the southern boundary of Delaware.

Delmar

Delmar Railroad Attractions

Delmar, known for its railroading history, is home to a unique highball signal listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby a 1929 caboose serves as museum for railroad artifacts. The highball signal and caboose are located in a small park on Route 54 at the railroad tracks. The caboose has no regular hours, so call ahead. Free admission. A railroad history display is also available at the Delmar Public Library, 101 N.Bi.State Blvd. in Delmar and the Delmarva Model Railroad Club posts holiday open house events for model train enthusiasts. 302.846.3336.

Mason-Dixon Line Marker

Erected in 1768, this double cornerstone marks the southern end of the only north-south portion of the Mason-Dixon Line. It is also the midpoint of the Transpeninsular Line drawn between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The carved stone marker is located several miles west of Delmar along Route 54.