First State Heritage Park

First State Heritage Park is a system of historical sites and buildings spread throughout Dover that tells the story of Delaware's founding. The park links different locations across the city, each offering insights into colonial life, government, and daily activities from that era.

The park was created in 2004 to celebrate Delaware's significance as the first state to approve the US Constitution. It preserves and presents places connected to the state's earliest government, political decisions, and leaders from the founding era.

The park brings history to life through interpreters dressed in 18th-century clothes who share stories about Delaware's early days and how people lived then. Visitors can walk through different sites and get a sense of what daily life looked like during the founding period.

The Welcome Center in the Delaware Public Archives building offers maps and information to help you navigate the different locations. You can pick up self-guided materials and plan your visit based on which sites interest you most.

In November, the Market Fair brings craftspeople to the park who demonstrate traditional skills like woodworking, weaving, and blacksmithing from the 18th century. You can watch these artisans work and get a hands-on sense of how things were made in that period.

Location: Delaware

Inception: 2004

Website: https://destateparks.com/History/FirstStateHeritage

GPS coordinates: 39.15810,-75.52470

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:01