Delaware Digital History Museum provides opportunities to experience First State history … from home

Responding to COVID-19 has meant changes for everyone that have impacted virtually all aspects of daily life, and Delaware’s historic sites, museums and cultural resources are no exception.

On April 27, 2020, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) launched a new, creative platform for Delawareans to continue to engage with the history of the First State and enrich their understanding of its people, places, events and artifacts.

The new Delaware Digital History Museum, available at HCA’s website, provides a wide variety of electronic opportunities to experience Delaware history at home.

Photo of historical cleaning and disinfecting products — Historical cleaning and disinfecting products from the collections of the State of Delaware. The items are explored in the new Delaware Digital History Museum.

“Even though folks can’t visit our State museums right now, HCA’s team of historians, interpreters and conservators are still on the job and working to fulfill our mission of preserving Delaware’s heritage and showcasing our state’s historical legacy,” said HCA Director Tim Slavin. “We hope that the Delaware Digital History Museum offers a new way for Delawareans to interact with our shared history and learn from it.”

The online museum showcases items from the State’s collections of art and objects, as well as digital exhibits, virtual tours of museums and historic sites, and videos and images of historic landmarks and architecture.

Banner for “Flight to Freedom” — Digital exhibit chronicles the true story of Emeline Hawkins, her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania.

The new portal also includes a collection of “Museum From Home” learning activities for school-age children, designed by HCA museum and educational staff.

In addition, the Digital Museum is supplemented by regular social media updates from the division’s five museum sites.