Current DPA Partners

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Wilmington Celebrates DE250 is a year long, citywide initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Led by the City of Wilmington in alignment with the statewide DE250 commemoration, this coordinated series of programs, performances, exhibitions, and community events uplifts the history, culture, and civic spirit of Wilmington and the First State.

At the heart of Wilmington Celebrates DE250 is a commitment to community partnership and inclusive storytelling. By collaborating with arts organizations, cultural institutions, educators, historians, and neighborhood leaders, the initiative ensures that the stories of Delaware’s people are shared in meaningful and accessible ways throughout 2026.

Through public events, educational programming, and creative commissions, Wilmington Celebrates DE250 invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on 250 years of American history while engaging with the vibrant communities shaping Wilmington’s future. Join us as we commemorate this historic milestone and celebrate the people, places, and voices that define our city.

From the Delaware 250 website:

On July 4th, 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. Delaware 250 is the organization set forth to help plan the statewide celebrations. This milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Delaware’s unique story and its contributions over the course of the Nation’s history.

This story begins millennia before 1776 and continues to the present day. Over a long history—from the earliest inhabitants of the land, through the development of the Atlantic colonies, to the Declaration of Independence, over the course of the American Revolution and to the ratification of the Constitution of the United States—the peoples of the land now called Delaware helped shape a country that has continued for two and a half centuries. Although this anniversary is rooted in early American military history, this moment in time allows us to reflect upon and celebrate the plurality of histories within both the Nation and State.

Delaware 250 seeks to:

–Tell the full and honest story of Delaware’s past, which allows more people to see themselves reflected in our State’s history.

–Frame 1776 as a beginning, not the end, of our American story, as we continually strive toward creating “a more perfect union.”

–Cultivate a deeper appreciation for Delaware’s history among state residents and visitors, so that we may thoughtfully consider our history and inspire the next generation of caretakers of the rich and diverse histories of our State.

From the Bigg’s Museum:

The Biggs Museum engages its audiences through a compelling program that includes collection-based and temporary exhibitions. We are committed to nurturing creativity and fostering an appreciation for art, as evidenced by our comprehensive slate of educational programming for all ages.

At the heart of our mission are the principles of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. These values shape our daily operations, striving to make the museum a welcoming space where every visitor can feel at home amid our remarkable collection.

As a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Biggs Museum of American Art invites you to join us in our commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of American art. Experience the beauty, diversity and accessibility of our cultural offerings as we continue to inspire and engage our community.

From The Rehoboth Beach Museum:

 The Rehoboth Beach Museum showcases the history of beach culture through vintage bathing suits, postcards, photos, and maps, bringing to life Delaware's beloved coastal community since 1873. 

From Civil War era maps and old train schedules to sand pails, surfboards, and archaeological artifacts, the museum's charming collection captures
generations of seaside memories. Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, this intimate museum offers visitors a delightful journey through coastal Delaware's transformation from Methodist camp meeting site to bustling resort destination. With friendly, knowledgeable staff, you can learn fascinating stories about the town's evolution, while rotating exhibits showcase everything from early beach fashion to boardwalk development. Whether you're a longtime beach lover curious about local history, a family seeking an engaging indoor activity, or simply someone who felt the magic of a day by the sea, the museum promises memorable insights into Delaware's beach culture. 

Perfect for all ages and guaranteed to enhance your appreciation of this special seaside community. 

From Dogfish Head Brewery:

With quality, creativity and non-conformity at its core, Dogfish Head has been committed to brewing unique beers with high-caliber culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened more than 30 years ago. 

Dedicated to exploring goodness of all kinds, Dogfish Head later expanded its beverage artistry beyond just craft beer to produce award-winning portfolios of full-proof spirits – whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums and more – and spirits-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails. 

A Boston Beer Company brand and proud supporter of the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, Dogfish Head is a Delaware-based entity consisting of  Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and tasting room; Dogfish Head Distilling Co., a production distillery; Brewings & Eats, a brewpub and live music venue; Chesapeake & Maine, a seafood and cocktail spot; and the Dogfish INN, a beer-themed, canal-front hotel. For more about Dogfish Head, please visit www.dogfish.com or follow the brand on social media. 

 Established in 1788, the Wilmington Public Library has served generations of readers, researchers, students, and families while collecting and preserving Delaware resources for more than two centuries. Its mission is reflected in its wide range of public services, including access to books, technology, reference support, community programming, and local historical research. 

In addition to its role as a community library, the Wilmington Public Library maintains a strong focus on Delaware history. Its local history resources include the Delaware Index, a staff-maintained card index of Wilmington newspapers, magazines, and history books created between 1920 and 1977, as well as newspapers on microfilm dating back to 1871, historical maps, city directories, Delaware census materials, and the Delaware Room, which houses historical materials related to Delaware authors, industries, legal history, periodicals, and the state’s past. 

The library also supports genealogical research, including obituary searches from local newspapers dating back to 1871, and provides access to reference librarians who assist patrons with research questions in person, by phone, and by email. Through these services, the Wilmington Public Library continues to preserve and share the literary, historical, and cultural heritage of Wilmington and the First State. 

The Nanticoke Indian Tribe is an enduring Indigenous community whose history is deeply rooted in the tidewater regions of the Delmarva Peninsula. The name Nanticoke derives from Nantaquak, meaning “people of the tidewaters.” After generations of displacement and pressure from European colonization, many Nanticoke families remained on the Eastern Shore and established a close-knit community near the Indian River in Sussex County. The Tribe was recognized by Delaware as a legal entity by 1881, and the Nanticoke Indian Association was formally organized in 1921.

Today, the Nanticoke Indian Association works to preserve and share the Tribe’s history, culture, traditions, and community life. The Nanticoke Indian Center serves as the home of tribal affairs and provides cultural, educational, health, social-service, youth, elder, and intergenerational programs. Through workshops, presentations, traditional arts, music, dance, storytelling, and community gatherings, the Tribe encourages respectful and informed engagement with Nanticoke history and culture.

The Tribe also operates the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, the only Native American museum in Delaware. Opened in 1984, the museum preserves artifacts passed down through Nanticoke families and shares the stories, artistry, and living heritage of the Tribe with schools, community groups, and visitors. The Nanticoke continue to celebrate and strengthen their culture through the annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow, Heritage Day, Native American Day, and other programs that bring generations together while honoring the ancestors and looking toward the future. 

From Oak Knoll Press:

 Founded by Bob Fleck, Jr. (1947-2016), Oak Knoll Books and Press specialize in works on printing, publishing, bookbinding, and collecting. Its mission is to serve scholars, librarians, and readers around the world while providing the highest quality of service and ethical standards .

In addition to its internationally recognized focus on books-about-books, Oak Knoll also maintains a strong emphasis on Delaware history, helping to preserve and share the literary and cultural heritage of the First State. Bob Fleck maintained a personal collection of Delaware History books, which were donated to the University of Delaware's Special Collections at the Morris Library in 2016, where it can be seen today. Oak Knoll Books also offers a large selection of Delaware-related titles available for purchase on its website here.

Oak Knoll Books is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), both at which Bob Fleck served as President in 1996-1998 and 2002-2005, respectively.