National Register Listing

Delaware State Museum Buildings

a.k.a. Old Presbyterian Church Complex

316 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE
The Old Presbyterian Church is an excellent specimen of the religious architecture of the Federal period. The congregation it housed for 134 years was the first of the denomination in Kent County and an important factor in the ethical and educational development of the town and county from 1714. Among members buried in its churchyard are John M. Clayton (1796-1856), jurist, statesman and United States Secretary of State; and Colonel John Haslet, commanding officer of the Delaware Battalion in the Revolution until his death at the Battle of Trenton in January, 1777. The present Museum Building No. 1 was erected near the close of the long pastorate of Rev. John Miller (d.1791), who was briefly succeeded by his son Rev. Samuel Miller, later a distinguished professor at Princeton. A State constitutional convention held its sessions in this building in 1831, an earlier convention, 1791-92, in which John Dickinson was the most influential figure, may also have met there.

Buildings No. 2 and 3, though not of the architectural importance of the Church, are nevertheless good examples of a later nineteenth century small town church edifice and a small industrial building. The exhibits the three units house interpret many phases of Delaware life and history to several thousand visitors yearly. The Johnson Building is devoted to the history of sound recording as developed by the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government religion museums
Audiobooks about the history of Delaware.
During Prohibition, Delaware was a popular location for bootleggers, and the District of Delaware saw a number of high-profile cases related to bootlegging and organized crime. One of the most famous cases was the 1935 trial of Al Capone's brother, Ralph Capone, who was charged with tax evasion in Wilmington.
Delaware random facts
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.

During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.

In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.

In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kent County, Delaware.

  • 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
  • 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
  • 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
  • 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
  • 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
  • 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
  • 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
  • 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
  • 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.