‘A Mere Mock Freedom: Free and Enslaved Black Life in Delaware 1790–1840’
Video explores anti-slavery activity in Delaware in the late-18th century and the subsequent passage of repressive legislation targeting free Blacks in the 19th century.
‘Delaware Day 2020 — Expanding the Delaware Story’
Videos explore the lives of four enslaved individuals and an abolitionist.
‘The Kidnapping of Bathsheba Bungy’ program on March 18, 2023
Program explores the true story of a free, Black girl from New Castle who was kidnapped to be sold into slavery, and her subsequent rescue.
‘Struggles for Equality’ series at The Old State House in February 2023
Series highlights important parts of Black history in Delaware, and pioneering African American artists of rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll music.
Beach-going in Delaware: Black perspectives under segregation
Beaches and resorts provided enjoyment for Black, Indigenous and other people of color seeking entertainment and refuge during the Jim Crow era in the United States.
Black History of the First State: Samuel D. Burris
Samuel D. Burris was a free African American also a conductor of the Underground Railroad who only received pardon in the last decade for helping free enslaved people.
Bringing history of the underrepresented to light
As the division’s new inclusive history researcher, Jeanette Bendolph knows the importance of acknowledging “the truth about the past to better our future.”
Burial ground found at John Dickinson Plantation
Site likely holds the enslaved individuals and other African Americans who lived, worked, and died on land owned by the Dickinson family.
Changing the view of history
How the work of the division’s Race and Equity Committee informs the practice of history.
Collection close-up: protest face mask and shirt
Recently accessioned collections items reflect the calls for racial justice that surged across the nation in 2020.
Collection close-up: Sen. Marie Pinkney donations
Delaware State Senator Marie Pinkney’s historic moment in politics is commemorated by a small collection of objects that represent her personal process and drive as senator since 2020.
Creating a network for Delaware’s DuPont Schools
Communities across the state are aiming to preserve the legacy of Delaware’s DuPont Schools, which educated students of color during a time of racial segregation.
Delaware history joins new Equal Justice Initiative site
The Equal Justice Initiative’s new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Alabama explores the legacy of slavery and the lives of enslaved people through art and artifacts, including a whipping post removed from Delaware just four years ago.
Descendant Community Engagement Group public forums set for Nov. 28, Dec. 1
The public is invited to participate in forums on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1 to learn more about the division’s work engaging descendant communities.
Descendant community to inform John Dickinson Plantation’s future
Historic site is preparing for a public meeting to form a Descendant Community Engagement Group. Collaboratively, the group will provide recommendations for the interpretation of the site, including the African Burial Ground.
Descendent community public forum set for April 13
The public is invited to learn more about the inclusive work being done at the John Dickinson Plantation and through the formation of a Descendant Community Engagement Group.