Collections Program

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Collections items housed in the Delaware Center for Material Culture
View of the Charles Parks collection beside a row of furniture in the collection.

NEW MARCH 2025: The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs recently updated the formal guidelines and standards for curating archaeological collections. Please scroll down for more information.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Curation and Design (CAD) Team, the Collections Program preserves, and holds in public trust, a record of Delaware’s heritage by acquiring objects made in the First State or used by Delawareans throughout history. The primary function of the program is stewardship of the State of Delaware’s collection of archaeological artifacts, museum objects, works of art, library and archival materials, and oral histories which are utilized in developing exhibits and educational programs that illuminate the state’s historical and cultural legacies for the benefit of present and future generations.

Archaeological Collection

Avery's Rest English Brown Stoneware
Avery's Rest Scissors
Avery's Rest, a fork with a handle made of bone
Avery's Rest, Wine Bottles

The Archaeological Collection contains cultural materials that were recovered in an archaeological context. This includes artifacts that were excavated by professional archaeologists in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and with Delaware state law, as well as artifacts derived from shipwrecks. The archaeological materials in the collection span thousands of years, including both pre- and post-contact artifacts associated with native communities, as well as historic artifacts associated with European settlers.

HCA’s updated Guidelines and Standards for the Curation of Archaeological Collections have been finalized and are in effect as of March 1, 2025. These standards provide guidance for CRM firms, Government Agencies, and Professional Archaeologists on preparing archaeological materials and associated records for curation at the CMC. The Division has developed this set of curation standards to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of Delaware’s archaeological collections. If you have any questions pertaining to the updated guidelines, please contact the current Curator of Archaeology at karli.palmer@delaware.gov, or HCA’s Curation & Design Team at collections.team@delaware.gov. Download the necessary PDF documents below.

Delaware Curation Guidelines 2025
Archaeological Collection Transfer Record

Historic Collection

Jewelry from the collection.
Jewelry from the collection.
Hanging painting shelf featuring paintings from various historic Delaware artists
Paintings from the collection.

This collection is for historic objects that are not found through archaeological excavations. It includes textiles, tools, décor, machinery, jewelry, furniture, toys, medals, and much more. The historical collection also includes framed objects and some archival pieces, such as paintings, maps, photographs, books, and documents. These objects were all acquired through a professional accession process practiced since the establishment of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

While the collections facility is closed to the public, there are plenty of opportunities for you to view historic objects all across Delaware. Any objects that are in the collection but not on display is because of the limited space that each museum has, or because the object is too fragile to ever leave storage. However, we are working to provide access to these objects through photos and online exhibits. Sometimes, objects that were previously displayed but were removed could have been for two reasons. The first is for its own protection. Extended exposure to light and changing temperature can irreversibly damage historic objects. Lastly, while an uncommon occurrence, if an object is discovered to be inaccurate, it will be removed from display to best share truthful and authentic information.

The Apollo Exhibit at the Dover Library being adjusted by an HCA curator.
The Apollo Exhibit at the Dover Library being adjusted by an HCA curator.

Locations where items from the collections are currently on display include:

  1. The five museums of the State of Delaware: John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House, and Zwaanendael Museum
  2. The Carvel State Office Building
  3. Legislative Hall
  4. Delaware Public Archives
  5. Woodburn, the Governor’s Residence
  6. Buena Vista Conference Center
  7. Partner organizations throughout the state of Delaware

Contact the CAD Team for access and research related to the State’s collections at 302- 608-5330 or collections.team@delaware.gov.