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The Delaware Public Archives is proud to present the complete collection of executive orders issued by Governors of Delaware. From the first executive order signed by Governor McMullen in 1939 to the most recent by Governor Carney, this collection is more than a repository of documents. Contained here are moments in Delaware history that reflect the priorities of the time. Be it Governor Terry’s closing state offices and public schools to honor Dr. Martin Luther King during the turbulent ’60s, Governor Tribbitt creating an energy commission and conservation strategies through the energy crisis of the ’70s, Governor Castle’s period of mourning for the loss of seven lives after the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in the late 1980s, or Governor Markell’s rebuilding Delaware’s economy throughout the national Great Recession of the late 2000s, this collection serves as a time capsule documenting the change, growth, and history of the state of Delaware.


Richard C. McMullen
January 19, 1937 – January 21, 1941


Walter W. Bacon
January 21, 1941 – January 18, 1949


Governor Carvell

Elbert Nostrand “Bert” Carvel
January 18, 1949 – January 20, 1953


Governor Boggs

J. Caleb Boggs
January 20, 1953 – December 30, 1960


Governor Buckson

David P. Buckson issued no Executive Orders
December 30, 1960 – January 17, 1961


Governor Carvell

Elbert Nostrand “Bert” Carvel
January 17, 1961 – January 19, 1965


Governor Terry

Charles L. Terry Jr.
January 19, 1965 – January 21, 1969


Governor Peterson

Russell W. Peterson
January 21, 1969 – January 16, 1973


Governor Tribbit

Sherman W. Tribbitt
January 16, 1973 – January 18, 1977


Governor duPont

Pierre Samuel “Pete” du Pont IV
January 18, 1977 – January 15, 1985


Governor Castle

Mike Castle
January 15, 1985 – December 31, 1992


Governor Wolf

Dale E. Wolf
December 31, 1992 – January 19, 1993


Governor Carper

Tom Carper
January 19, 1993 – January 3, 2001


Headshot of Governor Minner

Ruth Ann Minner
January 3, 2001 – January 20, 2009


Jack Markell
January 20, 2009 – January 17, 2017



Governor Carney

John Carney
January 17, 2017 – Present




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