Burial Ground Identified At John Dickinson Plantation

Archaeological research at the John Dickinson Plantation, Dover, Delaware, has led to the identification of a burial ground at the John Dickinson Plantation.  The burial ground was found during archaeological fieldwork on March 9, 2021 and likely holds the enslaved individuals and other African Americans who lived, worked, and died on land owned by the Dickinson family. 

“We remain committed to telling inclusive history.  This includes restoring dignity to those who have been forgotten.  This important discovery presents a powerful moment for every Delawarean,” says Delaware Secretary of State Jeff Bullock.

For two years the Department of State, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has undertaken archaeological investigations on the 450 acres of state property. The work has focused on identifying the burial ground for enslaved individuals that is referenced in primary source documents.   “This is sacred ground for Delaware, and we will continue to treat it with the honor and respect it deserves.  Our path forward is to protect the site, engage with the community about how to proceed, and continue to learn more through research and dialogue,” says Tim Slavin, Director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

The John Dickinson Plantation is the boyhood home of John Dickinson, a Founding Father of the United States, a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution. Dickinson wrote eloquently about freedom and liberty while at the same time holding other human beings in bondage.

At the John Dickinson Plantation, a state museum operated by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the goal is to educate the public about the past utilizing the historic, cultural, and natural resources associated with the site.

The Division will continue to undertake additional research to learn more about this burial ground and those interred here and to engage with descendent communities in making important decisions regarding the expansion of the interpretive footprint of this land.

There is no access to this location.

Press release March 23, 2021

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions: Burial Ground at the John Dickinson Plantation

Currently the number is unknown. A historian in the 1930’s stated that there may be up to 400 people interred at the burial site, but additional research is needed to determine the source of this figure.

The division believes this site was used as a burial ground for enslaved people who lived and worked on Dickinson family property. There are only a few references to specific burials in the archival record. No gravestones or other markings have been found. At this time, no information related to specific burials is available.

The division does not know when the first person was buried at the site, but it may be as early as the 1720s. The exact date range of burials is unknown.

It is approximately 170’ x 160’ which is 27,200 square feet.

No, not currently. The division will make a public announcement when access and visitation are available.

No, the site is not currently accessible.

No, at this time the burial ground is closed to the public. Photography on the grounds around the mansion, log’d dwelling, visitor center and other buildings is permitted when the museum is open to the public.

Community members, academic professionals, and public historians will participate with division staff in planning activities. Research related to the burial ground and individuals who lived and worked on the site will continue. The burial ground will be memorialized and incorporated into plans for interpretation, programming and exhibits at the John Dickinson Plantation. Announcements regarding research findings will be released to the public.

With discovery of the burial ground on March 9, 2021 the next several months will be a time of planning and continued research.

They will remain in place.

Historically, enslaved individuals were never meant to be remembered, and the burial ground, over time, became unidentifiable as a place of interment. The division did not, and currently does not, have maps or primary source documentation regarding the burial locations of individuals on property owned by the Dickinson family or any tenant farmers of the Dickinson family. Primary resources do indicate the location of a burial ground somewhere on Dickinson land. Following additional archival and photographic research, archaeological fieldwork was undertaken by the division and the burial ground was located on March 9, 2021. The division pledges that this site, and the people interred here, will never be forgotten again.

The division does not know the exact number of enslaved individuals who lived, worked, and died working on Dickinson property. If that information ever existed in written form, it has not been located. The division continues research to learn more about the families and individuals enslaved by the Dickinson family and their tenant farmers, and others who worked on this land.

The John Dickinson Plantation opened as a museum in 1956 on 13.25 acres of land. 428 additional acres were acquired by the State of Delaware between 1965 and 2000. The site containing the burial ground was acquired by the state in 2000.

The current historic site is just under 450 acres. At its height, during Dickinson family ownership, they owned approximately 5,000 acres.

No, there is a marked grave located close to the Dickinson mansion where Samuel Dickinson, John Dickinson’s father, is believed to be interred.

Yes, the plantation became a unit of the First State National Monument in 2013 and remains a part of the First State National Historical Park authorized by Congress in 2015. The State of Delaware owns the property and it is operated by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs by calling 302-736-7400 or emailing Museums@delaware.gov or the John Dickinson Plantation by calling 302-739-3277 or emailing JDPmuseum@delaware.gov

Please send an email to JDPmuseum@delaware.gov to be added to our email list as further information and activities are released.

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