Dover, DE Tourist Attractions
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The state capital, Dover (pop. 25,000), was founded by William Penn in 1717, and has preserved something of its colonial-period charm. Features of interest include the Old State House (1787), the Delaware State Museum (history of the state), the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village. There is a well-stocked Aircraft Museum at Dover airbase.
Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village
The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village presents agricultural heritage and rural life through exhibits that include tractors, horse-drawn equipment and farming implements that date from 1670 through the 1950s. On-site buildings date from the Civil War era to 1900 such as a one-room schoolhouse, train station, general store, country church and blacksmith shop. The buildings comprise the Loockerman Landing Village.
Museum of Small Town Life
The Museum of Small Town Life in Dover occupies a former Sunday school building of the Presbyterian church which was erected in 1880. Displays include Delaware history, resources, crafts, archaeology, religion, industry, and transportation. The Museum of Small Town Life lets you take a leisurely stroll down a recreated main street in a late 19th century Delaware town.
Delaware Archaeology Museum (Closed for repairs)
The Delaware Archaeology Museum in Dover exhibits 12,000 years worth of archaeological history from the State of Delaware. Artifacts range from arrowheads or spear points, ceramics and other stone and bone tools to glass and personal objects used in Delaware from the 17th to 20th C.
Delaware's State House
The Delaware State House in Dover was completed in 1792. The Georgian style State House contains the Governor's presentation and ceremonial office as well as 18th C courtroom and legislative chambers on the first floor. Building artifacts, historical photographs and documents are on display.
Johnson Victrola Museum
Johnson Victrola Museum is a memorial to the Victor Talking Machine Company of Eldridge R. Johnson. The company was founded in 1901. Exhibits include a 1920s Victrola dealer's store, talking machines, Victrolas, and early records. The museum is a delightful journey through the history of recorded sound.
Air Mobility Command Museum
The Air Mobility Command Museum is home to vintage planes dating to 1941 and artifacts that reflect airlifting, air refueling and the history of Dover Air Force Base.
John Dickinson Plantation
John Dickinson was known as the "Penman of the American Revolution" and he was attributed with drafting the Articles of Confederation in 1778. His 1740s brick house, outbuildings and slave/tenant house are part of the farm complex.
Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum of American Art is a personal collection that spans over 200 years. American art, from colonial portraiture to 20th-C Impressionism. The furniture and silver is from colonial and federal periods.
Woodburn, Governor's House
Woodburn was built in 1798 and served as the official Governor's residence until 1965. This was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.The formal gardens of Woodburn are located behind Hall House, the Governor's guest house.