In examining Delaware’s environmental past, “Man and Nature” provides a basic description of the extraordinary changes in the state’s natural world over the last four centuries. From the early days of European colonization, during which Delawareans had to overcome and adapt in the face of a strange new land, to the modern era, in which we now fight to preserve the health and natural beauty of our home.

– by William H. Williams

You can view and/or download a PDF version of this book here.

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.

This week’s Book of the Week is a special partnership with Delaware Historical Society and continues our celebration of Black History Month!

“Forging Faith, Building Freedom
African American Faith Experiences in Delaware, 1800-1980”
– by Constance J. Cooper & Lewis V. Baldwin

You can view and/or download a PDF version of this book here.

SYNOPSIS:
Forging Faith, Building Freedom honors and celebrates the African American faith experience in Delaware and its contributions to the development of African American religion in the United States. Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, Peter Spencer, and Samuel Cornish were champions of religious liberty from Delaware who led in the creation of independent black churches in the United States in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Based on an exhibition at the Delaware Historical Society and developed in collaboration with the African American community, this book presents a rich and exciting collection of material that documents two centuries of diverse experiences as black Delawareans forged faith and built freedom.

Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, the Delaware Heritage Commission is proud to present our Book of the Week:

“A History of African Americans of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore”
– by Carole C. Marks, Editor

You can view a PDF version of this book here.

SYNOPSIS:
The history of African Americans in Delaware spans almost four hundred years, with the first African slave arriving in New Sweden in 1639. Since then, the African American inhabitants of Delaware and Maryland have endured slavery, war, and the long struggle for freedom and equality. A History of African Americans of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore presents a social, political, and cultural history of African Americans, from the first permanent settlements to the present day.

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.

On Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m., Governor Carney will host a virtual forum on Racial History and Education in Delaware with Dr. Reba Hollingsworth (Delaware Heritage Commission) and Dr. Bradley Skelcher (Professor Emeritus of History at Delaware State University).

This event is coordinated in partnership with the Delaware Heritage Commission, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, and the Office of Statewide Equity Initiatives. 

In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission is proud to present our Book of the Week:
African American Education in Delaware: A History Through Photographs 1865-1930 – by Dr. Bradley Skelcher.

You can view a PDF version of this book here.

SYNOPSIS:
At the beginning of the twentieth century, it became apparent that colored schools in Delaware were far from equal to their white counterparts and could not provide the same education to the children in their communities. Though it would take decades to improve the education system for Delaware’s African American community, the tireless efforts of activists, politicians, and concerned citizens made tremendous progress. This book examines the history of African American schools in the First State and the struggle for equality in education. It follows the lives of those who fought, not only to secure an education for their children but to secure hope for a brighter future for generations to come.

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.