Before You Register

Who can attend?

Children ages 5–12 may attend with a registered adult chaperone. Each registered adult (age 21 or older) may supervise up to four children. Adults may not attend without at least one registered child.

Can children attend without an adult?

No. All children must remain under the supervision of their registered chaperone throughout the event.

How do I register?

Registrations must be completed online. A reservation is not complete until the form has been submitted.

Before You Arrive

What should I pack?

Bring a camping pad, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket, pajamas, personal toiletries, comfortable clothes and shoes, a change of clothes, a flashlight, personal medications, a refillable water bottle, and a sense of adventure!

The Archives is kept cool to help preserve historical records, so we recommend dressing in layers. Not all areas become completely dark overnight, so guests who are sensitive to light may wish to bring a sleep mask. Fans will run overnight to provide white noise.

What can’t I bring?

Please do not bring air mattresses, outside food or drink, electronic games or entertainment devices, cameras, weapons, or tents. Please leave valuables at home.

Can I bring personal medications to the event?

Yes, but the Archives cannot refrigerate medications or assist with administering medicine. Personal medications should be kept in a safe and secure location within your personal belongings throughout the event.

Who is responsible for medications?

Chaperones are responsible for all medications and medical care for members of their group. Archives staff cannot administer medication.

What if I need to leave early?

Notify Archives staff as soon as possible. Participants may leave only with their registered chaperone. Once you leave the building, re-entry will not be permitted.

Event Details

Where will the program take place?

Activities will take place throughout designated public areas of the Delaware Public Archives. Most programming and the overnight accommodations will be located in the Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room.

What time is the program?

Check-in is from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Friday. A mandatory orientation begins at 6:15 p.m. No one will be admitted after 6:30 p.m. The program ends at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Are meals provided?

Pizza and a snack will be provided Friday evening. A light breakfast will be available Saturday morning. If you or your child has food allergies, please note them on the registration form. We may reach out to you to discuss accommodations.

Where will we sleep?

Participants will sleep in the Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room.

What time are bedtime and wake-up?

Lights out is at 10:00 p.m. Wake-up is at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will be available to grab between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.

Will we have access to electricity in the Research Room?

Electrical outlets in the sleeping area are reserved for event operations and are not available for general participant use. Please fully charge your cell phones before arriving. If electricity is required for essential medical equipment, please contact us before the event at archives@delaware.gov.

Are security cameras in use?

Yes. The Delaware Public Archives’ existing security camera system operates continuously for routine building security. Areas used during Night at the Archives are monitored as part of this system.

What areas of the Archives will be open?

Only designated public spaces will be accessible. Collections storage areas and staff workspaces are off limits unless participants are accompanied by Archives staff.

Will we have access to the building on Saturday?

No. Following breakfast, participants should gather their belongings and prepare to depart by 9:00 a.m.