Delaware Public Archives Showcases a Century of Delaware Governors

DOVER, Del. –  Did you know that Delaware’s 57^th Governor would vanish from his desk in favor of fishing in a nearby pond? Or that Delaware’s 60^th Governor would see every Shirley Temple film that came to town? Surely, you’ve heard the 66^th Governor would ride a bicycle to work? Or that the 74^th was a state champion high school quarterback?

“Delaware Governors The Past 100 Years” is an exciting new digital exhibit on display this Spring at the Delaware Public Archives. Profiling each Delaware governor from 1925 to the present, the exhibit offers colorful stories, historical facts, vintage photographs, and a free, full-color booklet to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“One of the most captivating aspects of this new exhibit is witnessing how these extraordinary individuals shaped Delaware’s current history,” said Stephen Marz, State Archivist and Director of the Delaware Public Archives. “As we explore each Governor, we gain insight into the era they served in. Through their accomplishments, we can trace the unfolding history of The First State.”

Visitors can read and view historical facts about each Governor on four new large state-of-the-art video monitors installed in the Archives.

“These new digital monitors provide a more immersive experience for visitors,” Marz said. “Exhibits like ‘Delaware Governors The Past 100 Years’ bring history to life, enabling us to engage audiences in a way that we hope they find both memorable and meaningful.”

Since 1925, Delaware’s governors have overseen a state that has navigated both economic booms and recessions, transformed itself into a corporate giant, and led in social reforms.

“This exhibit celebrates the men and women who have led Delaware this past century,” Marz said. “From overseeing state government to ensuring the state’s best interests are represented, you can learn much about The First State through its governors.”

You can view and/or download the exhibit booklet here.

 

 

About Delaware Public Archives

As the repository for records of Delaware state and local governments, the Delaware Public Archives contains thousands of documents and other materials that can help with researching one’s genealogical roots. These records include census materials, vital statistics such as birth, death, and marriage records, tax assessments, probate/estate records, land deeds, and military records.

The Delaware Public Archives also preserves a large amount of genealogically related materials of private origin. These records include family histories, Bible records, church records, manuscript genealogies, and newspapers.

One of the nation’s oldest facilities of its type, the Delaware Public Archives, is located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North, Dover, DE 19901, with researchers welcomed by appointments that may be made by calling (302) 744-5000. Our website at archives.delaware.gov also offers access to extensive documents and photographs.