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Aug 2023
Our little peninsula is full of history! Whether you are local or visiting on vacation, these museums can make for a fun day trip to learn about Delmarva and its towns.
DELAWARE MUSEUMS
Air Mobility Command Museum
1301 Heritage Road, Dover AFB, Dover, DE 19902
302-677-5938
Open Wednesday - Sunday from 9am - 4pm
Free admission and parking.
This museum houses over 30 aircrafts varying in roles and sizes, and has exhibits telling the story of humanitarian and and airlift and air refueling history.
Barratt’s Chapel and Museum of Methodism
6362 Bay Road (Rt. 1), Frederica, DE 19946
302-335-5544 | www.barrattschapel.org
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 2pm
The chapel was built in 1780 on land donated by Philip Barratt, a prominent political figure in Kent County, Delaware. Barratt, who had recently become a Methodist, wanted to build a center for the growing Methodist movement in Delaware.
Bethany Beach History Museum
214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
302-539-8011 | www.townofbethanybeach.com
Memorabilia, photographs and documents housed in the town hall explain the resort’s history.
Biggs Museum of Art
406 Federal Street, Dover, DE
302-674-2111 | www.biggsmuseum.org
Open Thursday - Sunday from 10am - 5pm
Free Admission through September 24, 2023
General Admission: $10; Seniors: $10; Students: Free
The Biggs Museum offers changing exhibitions throughout the year relating to historical and contemporary art topics.
Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village
866 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
302-734-1618 | www.agriculturalmuseum.org
Open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am - 3pm
Adults: $8; Military & Seniors (65+): $6; Ages 6-17: $5; Ages 5 & Under: Free
Marvel at the many inventions and monuments to engineering that played a key role in the growth and expansion of agriculture in the First State.
Delaware State Police Museum
1425 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
302-739-7700 | www.dpsmuseum.com
The Delaware State Police Museum was built for and dedicated to the preservation of the proud history of the Delaware State Police. This history includes solemn chapters recalling the life and death of Troopers whose lives were cut short while in service to this great nation.
Dinker-Irvin Museum
318 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Open May - October: Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10am - 12pm
Free admission and parking.
Built in 1903 and having served as an early post office, the Dinker-Irvin Cottage is one of the few remaining original cottages in Bethany Beach.
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
708 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
302-539-9366 | dsmuseum@aol.com | www.discoversea.com
June: Saturday & Sunday from 11am - 3pm
July - August: Thursday - Tuesday from 11am - 4pm
September: Thursday - Tuesday from 11am - 3pm
October - November: Saturday & Sunday from 11am - 3pm
Closed December - March
Free admission. Donations appreciated.
Includes artifacts recovered from centuries-old shipwrecks.
Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
302-644-5007
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm and Sunday from 10am - 2:30pm
Features of the museum include Battery 519, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery park. Walking and biking tours available.
Governor Ross Mansion
23669 Ross Station Road, Seaford, DE 19973
Call 302-629-9828 or email admin@seafordhistoricalsociety.com to schedule a tour.
Open Every Saturday & Sunday from 1pm - 4pm
Other days by appointment.
The mansion, slave quarters, and barn offer a glimpse of life before the Civil War.
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum
25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-227-6991
April - September: Monday - Saturday from 8am - 4pm; Sunday from 10am - 3pm
October 1 - 31: Tuesday - Saturday from 8am - 4pm
November - March: Wednesday - Friday from 9am - 4pm; Saturday from 9am - 3pm
Learn the history of the U.S. Life-Saving service, the precursor to the current day U.S. Coast Guard.
John Dickinson Plantation
340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901
302-739-3277
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 3:30pm
Welcome to the home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution, and “Penman of the Revolution.” We invite you to visit this historic plantation and take a trip into the fascinating world of the 18th Century America!
Johnson Victrola Museum
375 South New Street, Dover, DE 19904
302-739-3262 | JVmuseum@delaware.gov
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 9:30am - 4pm
Free admission.
The Johnson Victrola Museum is a tribute to Delaware’s native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson, who founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. Exhibits include photographs, recordings, memorabilia, trademarks, objects, and paintings that highlight Mr. Johnson’s successful business enterprises and chronicle the development of the sound-recording industry.
Marvel Carriage Museum
510 S. Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE 19947
Call 302-855-9660 to schedule your tour.
Tour the many historic buildings on the grounds and view a beautiful collection of victrola, ephemera, photographs, telephones, furniture, and many more items related to Georgetown history.
Milford Museum
121 South Walnut Street, Milford, DE 19963
302-424-1080 | www.milforddemuseum.org
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 3:30pm and Sunday from 1pm - 3:30pm
Free admission. Donations accepted.
Exhibits focus on local Milford history including businesses, hospital, post office, shipbuilding, baseball, medical, military, ladybug, and doll collections.
Nanticoke Indian Museum
26673 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, DE 19966
302-945-7022 | www.nanticokeindians.org
Open Thursday - Sunday from 10am - 3pm
Adults: $3; Children under 12: $1.
Displays include thousands of arrowheads, pottery, axe hammers, ad other objects, all of which are homemade.
Prince George’s Chapel
Dagsboro, DE 19939
Call 302-739-6835 to schedule a tour.
Built in 1755, the chapel’s most striking feature is the graceful barrel vaulted ceiling of natural unadorned pine planks. The nave section remains as the original 18th century portion.
Rehoboth Beach Museum
511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-227-7310 | www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org
Run by the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, explore exhibits related to the 110-year-old town. Walking and guided tours available. Visit the website for more information on tours.
Seaford Museum
203 High Street, Seaford, DE 19973
Call 302-628-9828 or email admin@seafordhistoricalsociety.com to schedule a tour.
Open Every Friday from 1pm - 4pm and the 1st & 2nd Saturday & Sunday of each month from 1pm - 4pm
Other days by appointment.
It begins with the area’s natural resources and the Nanticoke Indians, and winds its way through history to the 21st century with the world’s first synthetic fiber, a nylon spinning machine. Other exhibits focus on early agriculture, shipbuilding, canning, the poultry industry, railroads, Black River Pilots, and the Nanticoke River’s connection with the Chesapeake Bay.
The Old State House
25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
302-744-5054
Open Wednesday - Saturday with guided tours at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Free admission.
Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation, and continued to serve as the capitol until 1933.
Treasures of the Sea
Delaware Tech, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947
302-259-6152 | treasures@dtcc.edu | www.treasuresofthesea.org
Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10am - 4pm
General Admission: $5; Seniors/Military/Students: $3; Children 4 & Under: Free
See treasures from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Atocha.
Zwaanendael Museum
102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
302-645-1148 | zmuseum@delaware.gov
Free admission. Donations accepted.
Built in commemoration of Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631, the museum serves as a showcase for the Lewes area’s maritime, military, and social history.
MARYLAND MUSEUMS
Adkins Historical & Museum Complex, Inc.
106 Bratten Street, Mardela Springs, MD 21837
To tour our complex, please schedule an appointment with Carolyn Adkins by emailing adkinshistorical@gmail.com or calling 410-302-2298.
Free admission.
Tour ten historical buildings to get a glimpse into life in the village of Barren Creek Springs.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-2916 | www.cbmm.org
Adults: $17; Ages 65+; $14; Retired Military: $13; Ages 6-17: $6
Explore the Chesapeake Bay through hands-on learning, world-class exhibitions, and on-the-water experiences. Watch the restoration of the Bay’s historic vessels in our Working Shipyard.
Delmarva Discovery Center
2 Market Street, Pocomoke, City, MD 21851
410-957-9933 | contact@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org | www.delmarvadiscovercenter.org
Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 4pm; Sunday from 11am - 3pm
Live animal program Thursday - Sunday at 12 noon
Adults: $10; Seniors: $8; Ages 4-17: $5; Ages 3 & under: Free; Military & Immediate Family: Free with ID
Exhibits feature the natural and cultural histories of Delmarva. We offer educational programs for school groups, Scouts, summer camps, and other youth organizations. For adult groups, we offer guided tours of our extensive exhibits.
Dorchester County Historical Society
1003 Greenway Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-7953 | www.dorchesterhistory.com
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 2pm
Admission for tour or research: $5 per person over 12 years old
A museum full of local artifacts and beautiful gardens.
Federalsburg Historical Society & Museum
100 Covey Williams Alley, Federalsburg, MD 21632
443-434-3114 | federalsburgmuseum@comcast.net
Open Friday & Saturday from 10am - 2pm
For special times by appointment, contact Dicky Wheatley at 443-786-1614.
Friday Night at the Greensboro Museum
104 E. Sunset Avenue, Greensboro, MD 21639
Second Friday of the month at 6:30pm
Features various presentations of historical interest.
Also open by appointment. For more information, please call 410-482-8903.
Furnace Town Historic Site
3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863
410-632-2032 | www.furnacetown.org
Open Thursday - Sunday from 10am - 4pm
Adults: $8; Seniors, Military, AAA, and Children ages 4-12: $6
With our collection of historic 19th century buildings & artisans’ studios surrounding the Nassawango Iron Furnace, we are a learning center for the study of history, art, and nature.
Julia A. Purnell Museum
208 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863
410-632-0515 | www.purnellmuseum.org
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm
Adults: $3; Under 12: Free
Our purpose is to collect, preserve and display items that convey cultural and artistic significance important for education of general public.
Museum of Rural Life
16 N. 2nd Street, Denton, MD 21629
Open Saturday from 11am - 4pm
Discover the stories of early Americans living in Caroline County’s agriculture-based economy.
Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum
813 South Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842
410-289-4991 | www.ocmuseum.org
Open Monday - Sunday from 10am - 5pm
Adults: $5; Ages 12-18: $3; Under 11: Free.
Deep dive into the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and learn about the cultural and natural history of Ocean City & Worcester County, Maryland. Permanent exhibits include the original USLSS log book, physical artifacts from the USLSS, historical elements from the Ocean City Boardwalk, a collection of sand from beaches all over the world, and a display dedicated to surfing and its history in Ocean City, as well as the history of the pioneering women of Ocean City.
Old Wye Mill
900 Wye Mills Road, Wye Mills, MD 21679
410-827-3850 | www.oldwyemill.org
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 3pm and Sunday from 1pm - 3pm
Established in 1682, it is America’s oldest continuously operated water powered grist mill.
Poplar Hill Mansion
117 Elizabeth Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
410-749-1776
Open for tours Friday & Saturday from 12 noon - 4pm
Admission is free. Donations appreciated.
The museum interprets the Federal Period in American history, through the lives of the individuals who lived in the 1805 manor house, including Dr. John Huston, Salisbury’s first surgeon, who had his medical practice in the home making Poplar Hill Mansion Salisbury’s first hospital. See furnishings of the early 1800s, learn about medicine of the time period, and see exhibits about life in the period of America’s early history.
Rackliffe House
11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 (behind the Visitor Center on Assateague Island)
410-629-1011 | www.rackliffehouse.org
Open Tuesday & Thursday from 11am - 3pm and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm
Ages 16 and up: $8; Ages 15 and under: Free (when accompanied by an adult)
Beautifully restored 18th century coastal plantation house overlooking Assateague Island and Sinepuxent Bay. Constructed in the 1740s.
Ridgely Train Station
106 W. Railroad Street, Ridgely, MD 21660
Open First Saturday of the Month from 10am - 1pm
Ridgely’s 1892 Train Station is open through September. Stop by the station to learn about the town persevered and became known as the Strawberry Capitol of the World!
Spocott Windmill and Village
1609 Hudson Road, Cambridge, MD 21813
410-463-1669 | www.spocottwindmill.org
Open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk
Reconstruction of a windmill built by John Anthony LeCompte Radcliffe in about 1852 and which blue down in a blizzard in March 1888. Since 1972, a number of other buildings have been moved to the site, creating a small village of the 19th Century. These include a one and a half story colonial cottage circa 1800, the original Castle Haven Schoolhouse (originally about a half mile away), a Blacksmith Shop, a doctors office, and a museum/gift shop.
Sturgis One-Room School & Heritage House
209 Willow Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851
410-430-5144
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 1pm - 4pm
Formerly known as Sturgis School, this is the only African American one-room school in Worcester County retaining it’s original integrity. It was built about 100 years ago on Brantley Road on land that was purchased by William Sturgis in 1888.
The Costen House
206 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851
410-957-3110 | thecostenhouse@gmail.com | www.costenhousemuesum.com
This historic home, built in the 1870s, belonged to the first Mayor of Pocomoke, Dr. Isaac Costen.
Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association
11472 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601
410-822-9868 | contactus@tuckahoesteam.org
Open the 1st Saturday of the month May - October from 10am - 4pm
Museum features a typical Eastern Shore farmhouse kitchen furnished as it was in the 1900s-1930s, a general store, displays of hand tools, memorabilia from steamships, and much more.
VIRGINIA MUSEUMS
Eastern Shore Railway Museum
18468 Dunne Avenue, Parksley, VA 23421
757-665-7245
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 12 noon - 4pm
Step into the restored train station and view railroad memorabilia from the many that operated on the peninsula since the mid 1800s. The 1927 Diplomat, an elegant parlor/lounge car, a jaunty 1949 caboose, and a 1950 sleeper car are available for guided tours.
Museum of Chincoteague Island
7125 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
757-336-6117 | museumofci@gmail.com
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm during Summer
Adults 13 & up: $7; Children 12 & under, Active Military & their families, and Museum members: Free
Discover the 1st Order Fresnel Lens from the Assateague Island Lighthouse, the iconic ponies known as Misty & Stormy, models of vessels that plied the Chincoteague waters long ago, items that washed ashore from shipwrecks, and much more.
Tangier Island History Museum
16215 Main Ridge Road, Tangier, VA 23440
757-891-2374
Come and learn about the history of Tangier and its people and to aid in their interpretation. There is a museum & visitors center, a walking history trail, a nature trail and water trails, with free use of kayaks and canoes, and much more.
Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
Rt. 175, Chincoteague Road, Wallops Island, VA 23337
757-824-1404
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Admission, parking, and all programs are free!
Features exhibits about aeronautics, orbital and sub-orbital rockets, scientific balloons, current missions, and the history of Wallops Flight Facility. The center also features an auditorium, a Science on the Sphere Theater, an observation deck, as well as numerous free public programs, events, and group tours of the facility.
