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Photo of the log'd dwelling at the John Dickinson Plantation
Log’d dwelling at the John Dickinson Plantation. The building is a replica of the type of housing inhabited by the enslaved people at the plantation as well as its tenants and indentured servants. The site’s mansion house is in the background.

John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” was one of America’s founding fathers who wrote of freedom and liberty for all while holding human beings in bondage. The John Dickinson Plantation was home to a variety of people. We tell the stories of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children who lived, worked, and died on the plantation.

Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania

Plantation Stories Project

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the John Dickinson Plantation are making this listing of enslaved and free Black people available and accessible to the general public and researchers. Research is ongoing as is work on a standalone website.
The document is a view-only copy; please contact JDPmuseum@delaware.gov for a copy that can be downloaded and printed.

African Burial Ground

For information, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

View a panel discussion about the African Burial Ground, moderated by Governor John Carney.

Admission

The museum requires reservations. It is open to the public and admission is free. Donations are accepted.

Parking

Ample, free parking is available. Accommodations for buses are available.

Accessibility

The Visitor Center and first floor of the museum are accessible to people with disabilities.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday: Outdoor visitation only. Grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: Visitor center and grounds are open. Reservations needed to enter Visitor Center.
Thursday to Saturday: Mansion, Visitor Center, and grounds are open. Reservations are needed to enter our Visitor Center and Mansion.

Hours subject to change.

Directions

We are located southeast of the Dover Air Force Base.
From Route 1/113 take Exit 91 for Route 9 Kitts Hummock/Little Creek. Once on Route 9 turn right on Kitts Hummock Road. Follow Kitts Hummock Road to the plantation entrance.

Photo Gallery

Gallery of the John Dickinson Plantation

Touring the Plantation

Tours are conducted by historic interpreters. Tours require prior reservations. To book your tour, please call (302)739-3277. For more information on group tours and exhibits, go to our Group Tours and Exhibits and Displays pages.

Address

340 Kitts Hummock Road
Dover, DE 19901

Contact Information

Phone: (302) 739-3277
Email: JDPmuseum@delaware.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as per Gov. Carney’s Aug. 16, 2021 order, all staff and visitors to state facilities over two years of age must wear masks indoors. This applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status. This is consistent with CDC guidance for keeping everyone safe.

Yes, reservations are required in order to tour the site. Our tour times will be Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. To book your tour, please call us at (302)739-3277.

As of Aug. 16, 2021, masks are required inside all state buildings for all people over two years of age.

Please follow the instructions of museum staff members, especially when entering and exiting the buildings.

Restrooms are available at the John Dickinson Plantation’s Visitor Center.

Tours of the mansion are fully guided.

The maximum number of people that can be in each building at one time is fifteen.

Yes, it is available at the Visitor Center. Visitors are expected to stamp their own passport books.

Absolutely! Please visit the Delaware Digital History Museum and like us on Facebook.