This list of Delaware Records Repositories was compiled by Richmond D. Williams in 1995 for the Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board, Hall of Records, Dover DE supported in part by a grant from the Delaware Heritage Commission
CONTENTS
This Directory revises and significantly updates a previous 1987 publication. Its purpose is the same as the 1987 Directory: to make the availability of Delaware’s rich documentary heritage known to those wanting to understand Delaware’s past.
The present listing of organizations and institutions holding documentary materials has declined slightly in size despite a concerted effort to survey institutions created since 1987, institutions left out of the original publication by oversight, and local libraries not systematically surveyed earlier. Only organizations and institutions willing to make historical records available to the public for research are noted. As with the 1987 Directory, this publication grows from a need the Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board (DHRAB) identified in assessing the status of historical records conditions statewide.
Data for this revision were collected by mail from three groups of institutions: (1) the fifty organizations that appeared in the 1987 Directory; (2) twelve historical societies or agencies that either had come into existence after 1987 or had been missed by the earlier survey; and (3) thirty public libraries. Each of the entities in group one was sent a data entry form on which its 1987 entry was copied for updating. In addition, the form asked for the name and title of a contact person, a FAX number if available, and added access terms (persons, organizations, and subjects). These latter data were requested since this Directory is being “published” in electronic format, as well as a bound booklet, thus allowing for expanded word searches. This mail survey was augmented by telephone calls that spurred some institutions to return the data entry forms. In a number of cases, however, the updated data were collected by means of telephone interviews with responsible officers.
As noted, the number of historical societies and agencies in the first group declined slightly since 1987. One institution, the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, placed its collection of records at the Historical Society of Delaware. The major reason for the decline, however, was the shift of emphasis among some of the smaller organizations to museum and historic preservation activities. Two other sets of records remained physically in place while their administration changed. The Friends of the Fisher-Martin House turned over the materials relating to that structure to the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the new tenant. The Samworth Collection of Delawareana at Brandywine College in 1987 was absorbed along with the college into the Widener University School of Law.
That only three new institutions were added to the Directory from groups two and three was not wholly unexpected. New historical societies often see their missions to save historic structures or to establish museums, not to collect historical records. Likewise, among public libraries the acquisition of historical records is an exception. Thus only the Afro American Historical Society of Delaware, the New Castle Public Library, and the Seaford District Library are totally new and not found in the 1987 publication.
The Board believes that the revised Directory will prove useful to both researchers seeking historical records and to individuals wishing to donate personal papers, photographs, and other historical records to a suitable historical agency or library. All Delaware institutions participating in this project — not just the ones that qualified to be included — will receive free copies of the booklet and, when requested, of a 3.5-inch computer diskette containing the Directory content in either WordPerfect 5.0 or ASCII format. DHRAB will distribute gratis the remainder of 500 copy edition, while it lasts, to individuals and institutions requesting copies.
Plans also call for making Directory information available on the Internet, thus providing knowledge of Delaware’s historical records holdings worldwide. Maintaining Directory information in electronic format also means that it can be continually updated. DHRAB encourages individuals, organizations, and institutions to inform the DHRAB State Coordinator of additions or changes to the current listing.
DHRAB wishes to acknowledge the generous grant support from the Delaware Heritage Commission which provided funds for both data-gathering and Directory publication. The Board also wishes to acknowledge the financial support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission which provided funds for both the 1987 assessment study and for the recently completed reassessment project leading to this publication.
Instructions on how to obtain hard and/or diskette copies may be found on the last numbered page of this Directory. Richmond D. Williams, Compiler and Member, Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board
Howard P. Lowell, State Coordinator, Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board
512 East 4th Street, Wilmington DE 19801
TEL 302-571-9300, FAX 302-571-9300 (Please call before sending FAX)
Executive Director: Harmon R. Carey
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: No; Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca. 1890 to Present)
Estimated quantity: ca. 3 cubic feet
Description: The Society has information on the contributions and achievements of African Americans in Delaware. Included are copies of the Society publication, Delaware Afro-World; biographical data; exhibit brochures; and video and audio tapes. Also included are data on Monday Club, Howard High School, and burial records at Mt. Olive and Mt. Zion Cemeteries.
Additional access terms: Inez and Ellsworth Mercer family, Dr. Samuel Elbert, Sr.
6362 Bay Road, Frederica DE 19946, TEL 302-335-5544
Curator: Lynn Hobbs
Open: Saturday & Sunday, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes; Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1780 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 75 cubic feet; 2000 volumes
Description: Archives of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church. Manuscripts relating to the development of the church, and activities of members and clergy. Included are conference journals, journals of early ministers, printed books and pamphlets, photographs, post cards and newspapers.
P.O. Box 55, Bethel DE 19931, TEL 302-875-5425
President: Josephine H. Spence
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1840’s to present (mainly early 20th century)
Estimated quantity: 40 cubic feet
Description: Maritime memorabilia relating to Bethel’s seafaring past. Included are manuscripts, photographs, post cards, visuals and printed books and pamphlets.
P.O. Box 306, Bridgeville, DE 19933, TEL 302-337-7823, 327-7125
President: Milton Morozowich
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1900 to present)
Estimated quantity: 25 cubic feet
Description: General local history. Includes Culver post card collection, 1900-1940, BHS’s own records, photographs, printed books & pamphlets, maps, and newspapers.
Wilmington Family History Center, 143 Dickinson Lane, Wilmington DE 19807, TEL 302-654-1911
Directors: Donald and Connie O’Day
Open: Tuesday 6:00 pm-9:00 pm; Wednesday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm & 6:00 pm-9:00 pm; Thursday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-1:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfiche readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1900 to Present)
Estimated quantity: Microfiche, 20,000; volumes, 12 linear feet
Description: Holdings support family history research. Included are finding aids for larger holdings in the Family History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah. Films from that library can be rented and studied in the Family History Center in Wilmington. The printed sources are all relevant to genealogical research and include such materials as books on methodology and sources, atlases, gazetteers, etc..
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
2nd and High Streets, Odessa DE 19730, TEL 302-378-8838, FAX 302-378-7803
Librarian: Donna Noble
Open: Monday, 1 pm-9 pm; Tuesday, 10 am-5 pm; Wednesday, 10 am-9 pm; Thursday, 1-9 pm; Friday, 1 pm-5 pm; Saturday, 9 am-1 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Microfiche reader only)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1775 to present)
Estimated quantity: 40 cubic feet; 300 volumes
Description: Collection covers history and development of Odessa and southern New Castle County. Includes manuscripts, post cards, account books, maps, and microforms. Audio-visuals of Middletown, Odessa, Townsend, St. Georges, Port Penn, Delaware City, Smyrna, and communities on Thoroughfare Neck produced by the library.
Lewis B. Flinn Library, 1925 Lovering Avenue, Wilmington DE 19806
TEL 302-656-6398, FAX 302-656-0470
Director of Library Services: Gail P. Gill
Open: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Microfiche reader only)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1775 to present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet; 100 volumes
Description: Printed, visual, and manuscript materials pertaining to the general history of medicine and the medical profession.
Collection Information: Published
866 North DuPont Highway, Dover DE 19901, TEL 302-734-1618, FAX 302-734-0457
Curator: Jenifer G. Dolde
Open: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm January-March; Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm April-December (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca.1650 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 125 linear feet
Description: Collections focus on the history and development of agriculture, with an emphasis on Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula, and on various aspects of rural life. Included in the collections are manuscripts, photographs, periodicals, videos, oral history tapes and transcripts, equipment manuals and catalogs, government and university publications, ledgers and account books, newspapers, books, and research files.
Additional access entries: Business, crafts, dairy farming, farm life, household technology, poultry, produce, social history, trades.
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington DE 19806, TEL 302-571-9590, FAX 3302-571-0220
Head Librarian: Harriet B. Memeger
Open: Monday-Friday 1:00-4:00 pm; by appointment [NOTE: Approval in advance required for special collections.] (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1860 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 2551 cubic feet
Description: Three major collections — the Howard Pyle Collection, the Bancroft Collection, and the John Sloan Collection — have come with the libraries and personal papers of the artists. Included are 19th century first and illustrated editions, manuscripts, and autographed and inscribed volumes. Other special collections and archives have material on Frank Schoonover plus other Pyle students and associates: Gayle Hoskins, Bertha Corson Day Bates, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and N. C. Wyeth. The museum collects reference, monographic, ephemeral materials on illustrators and 19th & 20th century American art.
Additional access terms: American illustration, Samuel Bancroft, Everett Shin, Jerome Myers, Charles and Alice B. Winter; Hollyer and Mansell photographs, Arts & Crafts Movement.
Hall of Records, Dover DE 19901, TEL 302-739-5318, FAX 302-739-6710
Deputy State Archivist: Joanne A. Mattern
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:15 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1680 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 26,000 cubic feet
Description: The Delaware State Archives is the repository for all permanent public records of the State of Delaware, its counties, and municipalities. Includes collection of printed Delawareana; some private manuscripts; extensive genealogical materials; over 100,000 photographs of Delaware subjects; records of state and local government from 1680 to present; Delaware Census records, 1790-1920 (excluding 1890)..
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
William C. Jason Library-Learning Center, Dover DE 19901, TEL 302-736-5111, FAX 302-739-3560
Head Librarian: Gertrude Jackson
Open: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday 2:00-10:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1637-1972)
Estimated quantity: 60 cubic feet
Description: Collection of printed materials relating to the Mid-Atlantic states. Included are miscellaneous publications referring to historical and genealogical research; and, notably, the Historic Resources Collection of printed materials on deposit from the State Archives.
Holdings reported to: On-line College Library Center
P.O. Box 4019, Greenville DE 19807, TEL 302-655-0597
Archivist: Donn Devine
Open: By appointment, Tuesdays 9:00 am-4:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1731 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 100 cubic feet; 250 volumes
Description: Collection consists primarily of the records and papers of the bishops and collected papers from parishes of the Diocese. It includes photocopies of birth, marriage, and death records maintained by individual parishes, diocesan publications, photographs, post cards, maps, sound recordings, newspapers, microforms, and copies from other repositories of records that pre-date the 1868 establishment of the Diocese. Additional historical source materials are in the Rev. Edward B. Carley Collection.
Additional access terms: Rt. Rev.’s Thomas J. Becker, Alfred Curtis, John J. Monaghan; Most Rev. Edmond J. Fitzmaurice.
Holdings reported to: National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections
400 Burnt Mill Road, Centerville DE 19807, TEL 302-654-4148, FAX 302-654-7615
Archivist: Mary Haug
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1784 to Present)
Estimated quantity: ca. 55 cubic feet
Description: Central repository for state diocesan records, various administrative records, parish registers, diocesan journals, and photographs. Also included are printed books and pamphlets, post cards, newspapers, and microform copies of parish records. All materials document activities of the churches and their congregations.
P.O. Box 553, Delaware City DE 19706, TEL 302-834-1630
Office Manager: Martha Bennett
Open: Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am-6:00 pm April-September; 11:00 am-4:00 pm mid-June-Labor Day (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1860 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 8 cubic feet; 1,000 volumes
Description: Collection relating to the American Civil War and Fort Delaware. Includes manuscripts, photographs, printed books, pamphlets, and the administrative records of the Society.
Frederica DE 19946, c/o R.D. 2, Box 161AA, Lewes DE 19958, TEL 302-945-0680
Contact Archivist: Dorothy Hudson
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: Early 19th century to Present)
Estimated quantity: 18 cubic feet
Description: Local history collection. Account books, manuscripts, photographs, books, vertical files, post cards, and memorabilia. Early businesses, organizations, churches and schools.
Additional access terms: Dr. John B. Derrickson, Dr. Benjamin Burton, Ethel Pennewill Brown Leach
c/o 201 Federal Street, Milton DE 19968, TEL 302-684-4713
Church Historian: Ruth Andreotti
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1756 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet
Description: Collection relates to the congregation and historical development of Coolspring Presbyterian Church (established 1726). Included are records of the church and congregation, photographs and printed materials. (Note: Earliest original material from this collection is held by the State Archives).
89 West Church Street, Selbyville DE 19940
TEL 302-436-8410 November-April; 410-250-1098 May-October
President: Paul Pepper
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1979 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 3 cubic feet Description: Collection of materials relating to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, the local community, and the Friends organization.
Old Town Hall, c/o Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, P.O.Box 1, Georgetown DE 19947
TEL 302-855-9660; 856-1544, FAX 302-856-6348
Executive Director: Sue H. Barlow
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca. 1880 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet
Description: Miscellaneous printed, visual, genealogical, and manuscript materials, relating to the history of the Georgetown community.
Additional access terms: Return Day, Sussex County
P.O. Box 64, 108 Fleming Street, Harrington DE 19952, TEL 302-398-3698
Museum Clerk: Grace C. Welch
Open: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am-12:00 am; Monday-Friday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm; or by appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: Late 1700’s to Present)
Estimated quantity: 330 cubic feet
Description: Collections deal with the history and development of the local area. Included are printed items, maps, sound recordings, photographs, slides, videos, genealogical files, and a small library of books. Of particular interest are records of the Harrington Fair, and of railroad right-of-way construction (1890-ca.1975), plus memorabilia of the defunct Harrington High School (ca. 200 cubic feet).
Additional access terms: Delaware Railroad; Clark, Shaw, and Sheldrake families; hardware, lumber, stoves, residential construction
Buck Road, P.O. Box 3630, Greenville DE 19807, TEL 302-658-2400, FAX 302-658-0545
Chief Curator, Library Collections: Michael Nash
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm; second Saturday of the month, 9:00 am-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1650 to Present (emphasis post-1820))
Estimated quantity: 25,000 linear feet
Description: The Manuscripts and Archives Department contains the records of more than 1,000 firms and trade associations. The companies range from the mercantile houses of the 18th century, through artisan workshops of the 19th, to the multi-national corporations of the 20th. Records relate to explosives, chemicals, iron and steel, coal, transportation, railroads, shipbuilding, oil and petroleum, leather, paper, machinery, textiles, canning, banking, merchandising, and shipping. Among corporate records there are the DuPont and Sun Oil Companies, Bethlehem Steel, Sperry Corporation, Pennsylvania and Reading Railroads, Radio Corporation of America, Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, the National Association of Manufacturers, and The Conference Board. Collections of personal papers include those of Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (1739-1817), Eleuthere Irenee du Pont (1771-1834), Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870-1954), John J. Raskob, J. Howard Pew, and Elmer Sperry. Collections of still photography (more than 1,000,000 images), prints, motion pictures, and video recordings both complement manuscript holdings and document aspects of industrial history not represented in traditional written sources.
Additional access terms: General Motors Corporation, Univac, Pennsylvania Power and Light, John McShain Construction Company, Westmoreland Coal Company, I.B.M. Anti-Trust Suit, Westinghouse Electric Steam Division, Dallin Aerial Photographs, Strawbridge & Clothier, Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons
Holdings reported to: Research Libraries Network
Collection information: Published.
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
P.O. Box 5787, Wilmington DE 19808, TEL 302-998-1930
Executive Director: David S. Ludlow
Open: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1872 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 25 cubic feet
Description: Materials pertaining to the history of the Red Clay Valley area, its mills, industries, and railroads. Of special interest is the development of steam railroads.
505 Market Street Mall, Wilmington, DE 19801, TEL 302-655-7161, FAX 302-655-7844
Manuscript Librarian: Constance J. Cooper
Open: Monday 1:00 pm-9:00 pm; Tuesday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1650 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 4,600 cubic feet
Description: Extensive holdings document the history of Delaware and its people from settlement to the present. Holdings reflect the state’s cultural diversity, with a special emphasis on women, African Americans, Germans, and Polish people. Correspondence, diaries, business records, and institutional records document economic development, politics, government, military, education, religion, social reform, and community organizations. Personal papers reveal family and household life of people from all walks of life. The collection has extensive genealogical resources, the largest holdings of Delaware newspapers from the mid 1700’s to the mid 1940’s, several hundred maps and atlases, and a large collection of ephemera. Several hundred thousand photographs include scenes of Delaware towns, people, houses and buildings, transportation, business and industry, and churches.
Additional access terms: Arden, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, National Organization of Women, New Century Club (Wilmington), Y.W.C.A., Pearl Herlihy Daniels, and the following families: Bancroft, Bates, Read, Rodney.
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
606 Church Street, Wilmington DE 19801, TEL 302-652-5629
Office Manager: Carol E. Mason
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1:00 pm-4:00; also by appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1697 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 20 cubic feet
Description: Repository for the records of the church (1697 to present). Collections include various manuscripts, photographs, printed books and pamphlets. A genealogical data file is maintained concerning church members..
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
P.O. Box 47, New Castle DE 19720, TEL 302-328-2413
Senior Warden: Cynthia A. Byham
Open: By appointment, Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am-1:00 pm (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1689 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 15 cubic feet
Description: Historical and administrative records of the church, containing information on clergy, communicants, and the church building. Of special note are church reconstruction records (1980-1984). Materials include manuscripts, photographs, post cards and printed items.
Additional access terms: churchyard tombstone survey
c/o Historical Society of Delaware, 505 Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
TEL 302-655-7161, FAX 302-655-7844
Archivist: Julian H. Preisler
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1850 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 200 cubic feet
Description: Emphasis on the history of Judaism in Delaware, with holdings on Jewish families, businesses, synagogues, and organizations. Consists of manuscripts, photographs, slides, motion pictures, sound recordings, microforms, and printed materials.
Holdings reported to: Delaware Union Catalog
Box 92, Laurel DE 19956, TEL 302-875-7015
President: Gwen North
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes (property of Laurel Public Library))
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1800 to Present)
Estimated quantity: ca. 80 cubic feet
Description: General local history collection consisting of manuscripts, photographs, post cards, newspapers, and other printed materials. Collections of special note include: the Waller Studios Collection of photographic negatives and prints (1880-1960) which emphasizes Sussex County and other Delaware subjects; the Shockley Collection of Delaware Bay navigation maps (1890-1915); and the Marvil Collection of Laurel area photographs (1900-1950).
6 East Fourth Street, Laurel DE 19956, TEL 302-875-3184, FAX 302-875-4519
Director: Elizabeth B. Strange
Open: Monday-Friday 11:00 am-8:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Microfiche reader only)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1948 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 10 cubic feet
Description: Most of the materials relate to the history and archaeology of Sussex County, Delaware and the Delmarva peninsula, and come from the defunct Sussex Society of Archaeology and History. Included are manuscripts, photographs, books, pamphlets, SSAH’s The Archaeolog, and documentary videocassette.
Zwaanendael Park, 120 King’s Highway, Lewes DE 19958, TEL 302-645-8073, FAX 302-645-8412
Director: JoAnne La Mere
Open:Monday-Friday 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Memorial Day-Labor Day open Saturday & Sunday (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1900 to ca. 1990)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet
Description: Records, owned by the City of Lewes, pertain to the history of the Fisher-Martin House and its occupants. Included are manuscripts, photographs, and printed materials.
110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes DE 19958, TEL 302-7670
President: Edward Patchell
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1780 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 10 cubic feet
Description: Miscellaneous printed, visual, and manuscript materials pertaining to the history of the Lewes community. Of special interest is the Dr. George Nocipio Collection of photographs of Lewes buildings, taken for documentary purposes during the 1970’s.
P.O. Box 7036, 1611 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE 19803, TEL 302-655-5254
Past President: Harold J. Littleton
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Restricted, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1775 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 10 cubic feet
Description: Material on Gunning Bedford, Jr., signer of the U.S. Constitution from Delaware, and includes data on his life, family, and home, as well as books, pamphlets, and ephemera.
Additional access terms: Freemasonry, Delaware history
P.O. Box 352, Milford DE 19963, TEL 302-422-3115
President: Susan J. Emory
Open: May-October first Sunday of the month, 2:00-4:00 pm; and by appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1825 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet
Description: Manuscripts, photographs, printed books, and pamphlets relating to the history of the Milford community. Of special interest are materials relating to the Parson Thorne Mansion, a local landmark owned by the Society.
210-212 Union Street, Milton DE 19968, TEL 302-684-8851or 684-8676
President: Robert Wagman
Open: May-September Saturday 2:00-4:00 pm; and by appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1775 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 25 cubic feet
Description: Repository for manuscripts, photographs, and other visual and printed items relating to the various social, economic, and religious activities of the Milton community.
Additional access terms: Milton Publishing Company, Preston Chandler
R.D. 4, Box 107A, Millsboro DE 19966, TEL 302-945-3400 or 947-9137
Chief: Kenneth Clark, Sr.
Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day Monday-Friday 9:00 am- 4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm; Sunday Noon-3:00 pm; rest of year Tuesday-Thursday, & Saturday. (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1775 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 75 cubic feet; 2,000 volumes
Description: Manuscripts, visuals, and printed materials relating to the Nanticoke Indian people and Native American culture and lifestyle.
P.O. Box 109, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington DE 19899, TEL 302-651-6919, FAX 302-651-4055
Administrator: Thomas P. Ferry
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1860-1970)
Estimated quantity: 50 cubic feet; 3,000 imprints
Description: Manuscripts, photographs, blueprints, imprints, etc. collected by and relating to Alfred I. du Pont (1864-1935) and his family and business dealings. Records deal primarily with the Nemours estate in Wilmington and include information on landscaping, architecture, construction, etc.
424 Delaware Street, New Castle DE 19720, TEL 302-328-1995, FAX 302-328-4412
Reference Librarian: Sally Hatton
Open: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 am-9:00 pm; Wednesday & Thursday 2:00-9:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-1:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm reader: Yes (not a printer))
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1791-1980)
Estimated quantity: 6 microfilm reels
Description: The history of New Castle as found in the minutes of the Trustees of New Castle Common (3 reels, 1791-1980) and in the minutes of the City Council (3 reels, 1895-1949).
Box 711, Newark DE 19711, TEL 302-731-0955
President: Robert Thomas
Open: September-May first and last Thursdays 6:30-8:00 pm; all year by appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1890 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 40 cubic feet
Description: Manuscripts, photographs, microforms, sound recordings, books, and pamphlets relating to the history of the Newark community. Included are bound volumes of the Newark Post newspaper (1890-1979), and account books of local businesses.
Additional access terms: R. E. Richards General Store
950 West Basin Road, New Castle DE 19720, TEL 302-324-2500, FAX 302-324-5509
Librarian: Charlotte Walker
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1871 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 175 cubic feet; 2,700 microfilm reels; 1,600 volumes.
Description: Library of the News-Journal Company holds newspapers and other printed materials concerning a wide variety of topics, including state and local history. Includes clip files and file photographs. Microfilm back-copies of the Wilmington Evening Journal, Morning News, and succeeding papers (1872 to Present), and the New York Times (1970 to Present) are maintained.
c/o Town of Georgetown, 39 The Circle, Georgetown DE 19947
TEL 302-856-7391 or 855-9660, FAX 302-856-6348
Town Manager: Allan Kujula
Open: By appointment only (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca. 1880 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 20 cubic feet
Description: Miscellaneous materials dealing with the history of the Georgetown community and Sussex County. They include photographs, manuscripts, books as well as the Nutter D. Marvel papers that relate to his antique, horse-drawn carriages and historical buildings.
P.O. Box 293, Laurel DE 19956, TEL 302-875-3644 or 875-7518, FAX 302-875-7941
Chairman: Edward L. Fowler
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1930 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 8 cubic feet
Description: Collection relates to the history of Old Christ Church. Miscellaneous materials on the history of the local area and its people. Included are manuscripts, photographs and other visuals, as well as printed items and newspaper clippings.
P.O. Box 120, Port Penn DE 19731, TEL 302-834-2464 or 834-2421
President: Jean Bonner
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca. 1790 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet
Description: General local history collection documenting Port Penn area. Includes manuscripts, post cards, photographs, printed books, and pamphlets.
500 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington DE 19808, TEL 302-998-0434
Historian: Lisa Nichols
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1753-1970)
Estimated quantity: Undetermined
Description: Non-current Session Minutes and marriage, baptism, and officers’ records as well as records of affiliated societies.
P.O. Box 42, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971, TEL 302-227-6111 or 226-1119
Secretary: Helen Bieber
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: No, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: ca. 1850 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 8 cubic feet; 75 volumes
Description: General local history collection, early town government, various materials relating to the town’s early years as a Methodist Church oriented resort and religious center. Includes manuscripts, photographs, post cards, printed books, and pamphlets. Located in the Anna Hazzard Museum.
610 Shipley Road, Wilmington DE 19808, TEL 302-761-4340, FAX 302-764-4570
Curator: Prudence Haines
Open: By appointment, Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1750-1930 (emphasis 1850-1920))
Estimated quantity: 100 cubic feet
Description: Records and papers pertain to the Shipley and Bringhurst family domestic and mercantile affairs; they also cover the construction and furnishing of Rockwood Manor House designed by George Williams,British architect, whose plans survive. Includes manuscripts, correspondence, account books, 10,000 photographs, post cards, sketches, cartoons, scrapbooks, and ephemera as well as printed books and pamphlets.
Additional access terms: Joseph Shipley, Edward Bringhurst (the fifth), Elizabeth Shipley Bringhurst Smith, Mary Thomas, Anna James Webb, decorative arts, Ireland (late-19th century to early 20th century through E. S. B. Smith correspondence.)
402 North Porter Street, Seaford DE 19973, TEL 302-629-2525, FAX 302-629-9181
Director: Sarah M. Thrash
Open: Monday-Thursday 10:00 am-9:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfiche reader: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1902 to Present)
Estimated quantity: Undetermined
Description: Materials relating to the history of Sussex County, Delaware, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Includes photographs, books, pamphlets, and audio tapes of 1976 interviews of local business persons.
Ross Plantation, Route 1, Box 393, Seaford DE 19973, TEL 302-628-9500, FAX 302-628-9501
Site Supervisor: Thurman Adams
Open: By appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: Early 19th century to Present)
Estimated quantity: 50 cubic feet
Description: Local history collection, with special emphasis on early Seaford businesses. Includes account books, manuscripts, photographs, post cards, books, clippings, newspapers, and memorabilia.
Additional access terms: William H. Ross, Caleb Ross, John Tennant.
002 Pearson Hall, Newark DE 19716, TEL 302-831-2750, FAX 302-831-6903
Director: Jean K. Brown
Open: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1769 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 10,000 cubic feet; 12,400 volumes; 10,000 photographs, negatives, prints.
Description: The archives of the University of Delaware and is predecessor institution, the Academy of Newark. Included are records of the board of trustees; the University president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary; deans, directors, department chairpersons; and committees and commissions; as well as theses and dissertations.
Special Collections Department, South College Avenue, Newark DE 19717
TEL 302-831-2229, FAX 302-831-1046
Head: Timothy D. Murray
Open: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Tuesdays until 8:00 pm (Copy facilities: Limited copying permitted, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1500 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 1,000,000 manuscript items; 100,000 rare books
Description: Manuscript and archival holdings include over 700 collections of literary, horticultural, political, diplomatic, legal, educational, technological, business, and organizational materials. These papers of individuals, archives of businesses, organizations, and government bodies, and collections of literary and historical manuscripts focus primarily on 18th-20th century American history and culture, with special emphasis on Delaware. Included are oral histories, diaries, account books and ledgers, ships’ logs, ephemera, maps, posters, photographs, and other graphic materials.
Additional access terms: James Curtis Booth; Thomas R. Carper; Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson; Sen. J. Allen Frear, Jr.; George Strausser Messersmith; Willard Saulsbury; Christopher Ward; Sen. John James Williams; Latimer family; and Jewish Federation of Delaware, Holocaust Testimonies Project. [NOTE: Almost all of UD’s collection published after 1968 and some published earlier can be accessed from their DELCAT, the University of Delaware’s On-line Library Catalog..
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site
College Square, Dover DE 19901, TEL 302-736-2413, FAX 302-736-2301
Assistant Librarian: Louis E. Jeffries
Open: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-10:30 pm; Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm;Saturday 11:00 am-5:00; Sunday 3:00-10:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1850 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 15 cubic feet; 300 volumes
Description: Printed materials relating to the history and development of the Methodist Church, the Peninsula Conference of the church, and Wesley College. Special collection of note: the Reynold du Pont papers, consisting of manuscripts and printed materials documenting Mr. du Pont’s service as a member of the Delaware General Assembly, and as a participant in state government affairs, ca. 1950’s to 1970’s.
Brandywine Valley Historical Collection, Legal Information Center, P.O. Box 7475, 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, TEL 302-477-2063, FAX 302-477-2240
Reference Librarian: David K. King
Open: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am-11 pm; 9:00 am-10:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1816 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 5 cubic feet; 300 volumes
Description: General state and local history collection, primarily composed of the Samworth Collection of Delawareana with special concentration on New Castle County history. Included are manuscripts, photographs, post cards, printed books and pamphlets.
Holdings reported to: O.C.L.C. and Internet.
10th and Market Streets, Wilmington DE 19801, TEL 302-571-7403, FAX 302-654-9132
Director: David H. Burdash
Open: Monday 9:00 am-9:00 pm; Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 am-6:00 pm; Friday-Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1814 to Present)
Estimated quantity: Undetermined
Description: Materials focusing on Delaware history. Includes Institute’s own records; photographs, post cards, Delawareana, printed books and pamphlets; maps, microforms, and newspapers..
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site.
4th and West Streets, Wilmington DE 19801, TEL 302-652-4491
Secretary/Coordinator: Paulette de la Veaux
Open: Monday-Friday 10:30 am-2:30 pm; and by appointment (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: No)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: 1680 to Present)
Estimated quantity: 20 cubic feet; 500 volumes
Description: Wilmington Meeting minutes, burial records, photographs, printed books, pamphlets, and other church-related materials. Most of the older original records have been deposited at Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore (PA) College.
Winterthur Museum Archives, Winterthur DE 19735, TEL 302-888-4699 or 888-4634, FAX 302-888-4870
Archivist: E. Richard McKinstry
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: Mid-1800’s to Present)
Estimated quantity: 2270 cubic feet
Description: Materials relating principally to the Winterthur estate, its farms and gardens. Included are the papers of Henry Algernon du Pont and Henry Francis du Pont as well as the early records of the Winterthur Corporation and records of Winterthur Farms, Inc.
Holdings reported to: Research Libraries Network.
Additional information: at Delaware Genealogical Society’s web site.
Winterthur DE 19735, TEL 302-888-4699, FAX 302-888-4870
Librarian: E. Richard McKinstry
Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Copy facilities: Yes, Microfilm readers: Yes)
Holdings: (Inclusive dates: Mid-17th century to Present)
Estimated quantity: 2,100 record groups
Description: Manuscripts pertaining to American decorative arts, with emphasis on American crafts-people from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The manuscripts are comprised of household inventories, wills, court records, estate records, bills, account books, diaries, designs and drawings for objects and buildings, merchant and business letter books, import and export records, personal and business letters, surveys and records of fire insurance companies. Among the special collections are the Edward Deming Andrews Memorial Shaker Collection; the Thelma S. Mendsen Collection of Victorian scrapbooks; the Maxine Waldron Collection of Children Paper Dolls; the Edwin Brumbaugh Collection of Architectural Records; and the records of several Arts and Crafts colonies and craftsmen.
Holdings reported to: Research Libraries Network
Bethel
Bridgeville
Delaware City
Dover
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Georgetown
Greenville
Harrington
Laurel
Lewes
Milford
Millsboro
Milton
New Castle
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Odessa
Rehobeth
Seaford
Selbyville
Wilmington
The Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board (DHRAB) was one of fifty such Boards authorized by several Federal statutes that created the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) in 1975.The Governor appoints board members from among Delaware’s administrators and users of historical records. Stephen M. Marz, CA, State archivist, serves as DHRAB’s coordinator. The Board reviews proposals from Delaware institutions seeking NHPRC grants and serves the Governor as an advisory body for historical records planning and coordination.
— Without Charge —
Send orders to the DHRAB Directory at rdwms@strauss.udel.edu, Delaware State Archives, Hall of Records, Dover DE 19901 or FAX (302) 739-6710
Specify hard copy and/or digital media.
Related Topics: Record Repositories, Records
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