Museums

Quaint Museums

Kent County is rife with historical sites and museums that focus on everything from Air Mobility Command and American art, to agriculture and opera houses. Travel to bygone eras and immerse yourself in the distinct history of our country’s first state.

Delaware's Quaint Villages in Kent County are renowned for their varied shopping options, picturesque countryside and thriving Amish community. Did you know that this area is also home to many historic buildings and historical sites? The village museums in this area will teach you about local history and offer insights into the most critical periods of American history.  

Experience and Discover American History

In July 1776  the Declaration of Independence was read aloud from the Dover Courthouse steps. Kent County and surrounding areas played a critical role in the American Revolution and the area includes historical landmarks from this time along with modern Museums paying tribute to early American agriculture, aviation history and various art exhibits. 

Biggs Museum of American Art 

The Biggs Museum is the center for art and culture in Kent County Delaware. The museum features over 15 exhibitions annually and houses an expansive collection of American Fine art from the 1700s through the present day. The Bigg's Museum also holds events and performances geared towards classroom field trips and early childhood learning. The hours of operation include Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and also the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Agricultural Museum

The Agricultural Museum dates to the 1970s, and its exhibits show how agriculture has evolved over the centuries. The museum includes an 1890s village that contains a mill, a church, a general store and more, showing what life looked like more than 100 years ago. The museum often hosts fun seasonal events.

Old State House

During the 1790s, the Old State House served as the capital of Delaware, which is nicknamed the First State because it was the first state to ratify the Constitution. Until 1933, lawmakers gathered in the Old State House, which is now restored to look like it did centuries ago. Admission to this museum is free. 

John Dickinson Plantation 

John Dickinson is among the nation's Founding Fathers. The John Dickinson Plantation, where he lived in the late 1700s, notes that many people also lived on the property, including enslaved people and indentured servants. You can see where they resided and learn more about Dickinson's writings about freedom. Admission is free. 

First State Heritage Park 

Dating back to 1777, the First Heritage State Park includes tours with guides who dress in 18th-century clothing and tell you more about the colonial era in the Quaint Villages. The Park includes the State Capitol and Legislative Hall, where lawmakers continue to work today. 

The Park also encompasses the famed Dover Green, where the Constitution was signed and Revolutionary soldiers once crossed. On first Saturdays, you can find special events at the Heritage Park and surrounding establishments. 

 

Air Mobility Command Museum

At the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum, you can find more than 30 retired aircraft. The museum tells their stories and chronicles the history of humanitarian and airlift efforts. Air Mobility Command showcases historic aircraft such as Airforce 2 and a WWII B-17 Bomber. Tour a C-5A cargo compartment and view living history reenactors on most Saturdays. The museum also includes free flight simulations and an air traffic control tower kids will love. 

Uncover Delaware History 

Delaware's long history offers insights into the founding of the United States, our military and our culture. Taking the time to visit museums across the Quaint Villages can improve your knowledge and help you understand events in a historical context. 

Learn More Today!

Learn more about the Quaint Villages by downloading our free guide to the area. You can also sign up for our email newsletter. Begin planning your trip today!