John Dickinson Plantation

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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 reconstruction 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.

The John Dickinson Plantation was home to a variety of people. We share the stories of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children who lived, labored, and died on the plantation. John Dickinson was a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution and was known as the “Penman of the Revolution.” He was an American founding father, who wrote of freedom and liberty for all while holding human beings in bondage.

Plantation Stories Project

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the John Dickinson Plantation are making this listing of free, enslaved, indentured, 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 our Frequently Asked Questions page.
View a panel discussion about the African Burial Ground, moderated by Governor John Carney.

John Dickinson and the Plantation Timeline

The Dickinsons’ Delaware plantation was John Dickinson’s boyhood home, where he lived from the ages of 8 to 18. John Dickinson studied law and became a lawyer and statesman. He married Mary Norris and together they had two children, Sally and Maria. This timeline contains more details about his life and the plantation.

Admission

The museum 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 mansion are accessible to people with disabilities.

Hours of Operation

Tuesdays: Outdoor visitation only. Grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

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 for large groups require prior reservations. 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

No, guests may visit the museum anytime during normal hours of operation. However, we recommend arriving at either 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 2 p.m., or 3 p.m. to view the film and exhibits before taking a guided tour of the mansion. Tours of the mansion are only available Thursdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Restrooms are available at the John Dickinson Plantation’s visitor center.

Tours of the visitor center are mainly self-guided but tour guides are there who greet guests and are available to answer questions. Tours of the mansion are fully guided.

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.

Related Topics: Directions, Hours, John Dickinson Plantation, Museums