In support and celebration of Delaware 250 and the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the Delaware Public Archives proudly presents a collection of resources highlighting Delaware’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and America’s path to independence, along with materials to foster continued learning about Delaware’s rich history.
Below are links to subject guides, digitized archival collections, lesson plans, eBooks, and other resources. Please stay tuned for event updates, blog posts, and more as we approach July 4th, 2026.
Road To Liberty is an original board game created by Delaware Public Archives staff to help kids learn about Delaware’s role in the Revolutionary War. Designed for quick play – approximately 10 minutes – the game utilizes archival documents from the Archives’ collections as part of the journey. Players move their pieces along the board, draw Action and Chance cards, and encounter shortcuts, setbacks, and historical challenges along the way. All components, including the gameboard (20×20) and cards, are now available as PDFs, allowing families and classrooms to print and play!
Printing note: The gameboard is designed at 20×20 inches, but can also be printed across multiple sheets of paper and assembled for easier home or classroom use.
The Delaware Public Archives offers diverse Delaware 250 programming throughout the state, including monthly First Saturday programs at the Archives facility, the popular Tavern Talks series hosted at historic taverns across Delaware in cooperation with First State Heritage Park, and educational events presented at libraries, schools, and community organizations statewide. These programs bring Delaware’s founding history directly to residents and visitors through accessible, locally-hosted presentations that celebrate our state’s pivotal role in America’s semiquincentennial.
Following the British army’s defeat at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, many in the American Colonies assumed the Revolutionary War was nearly over. But uncertainty remained. Rumors spread that Britain was preparing a new offensive, one that could once again target the middle colonies. If true, Delaware would once again find itself on the…
Discover Delaware’s maritime challenges during the American Revolution, where both British and American privateers clashed along its coast. Learn about the Letters of Marque that empowered privateers like Robert Burton and Matthew Aiken to defend or disrupt colonial waters.
This page has been created to highlight resources held by the Delaware Public Archives related to Delaware’s role in the Revolutionary War in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. While it strives to provide a comprehensive overview, it is important to acknowledge gaps in the information provided about women, Indigenous Peoples, free and enslaved Blacks, and other marginalized communities whose contributions and experiences have historically been overlooked in archival records and historical narratives.
We recognize these gaps and are actively working to identify and include materials and perspectives that reflect a fuller picture of Delaware’s diverse history during this period. This work is ongoing, and we welcome input, suggestions, or information that can help us expand and enrich our understanding.
For further inquiries or to share relevant resources, please email us at archives@delaware.gov.
Please email archives@delaware.gov or call (302) 744-5000 with all inquiries regarding the Archives’ DE250 Resources.