Interpreting local history ahead of Semiquincentennial
HCA staff reflect on inclusive interpretation at Revolution at 250 Symposium
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence next July, museums, historic sites and the many people who support them are reflecting on what is needed to fully reflect the different storylines of American and First State history during the celebration.
For Dan Citron, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ historic sites team manager, interpretation at key sites like the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site and the John Dickinson Plantation often relies on well-done research.
“We need to make sure we’re taking an inclusive look and including the stories of all the people at the time of the nation’s founding,” he said. “Inclusive history means it’s everybody’s story. We’re not cutting anybody out — we’re just making sure everyone is heard.”
Projects like the Plantation Stories Project, undertaken by HCA staff in preparation of large capital projects at the John Dickinson Plantation, don’t have to exist in siloes. These kinds of research projects and repositories, like those held by Delaware Public Archives, are ways that smaller sites and volunteer-run programs can take advantage of information that has already been compiled.
“It’s also about finding ways to get the community thinking about and engaging with the site,” Citron explained. For example, the Old State House has now been hosting the Friends of Folk Concert Series for over a decade, likely attracting people who may not otherwise visit the Dover museum.
“It’s really about making your museum a community resource,” Citron said. “When the community knows you and likes you, they’re more apt to attend your special programs and celebrations.”
Partnerships are also key, he said. Despite being part of the state government network, many of HCA’s sites are indeed small and staffed like small museums. Continuing to tell storied histories of these places relies on partnerships and collaborations with local communities and groups across the state.
The Revolution at 250 Symposium was held in early 2025 featuring scholars and museum professionals from the region. The event was hosted by Delaware 250, the state’s official entity preparing for the celebration of the Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.