During the American Civil War, Delaware was just as divided as the rest of the nation. While being home to
abolitionists, Underground Railroad conductors, and many volunteers, Delaware was also a border state and resisted the
final termination of slavery. Harold Hancock discusses Delaware’s political climate during the Civil War and the social
and economic impact of the war on the First State.

Delaware During the Civil War: A Political History
– by Harold B. Hancock

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

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.

Another publication from the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, Dr. Carol Hoffecker’s comprehensive guide to
Delaware’s history was one of the Heritage Commission’s first projects. This book is a valuable resource for those
interested in the long history of the First State.

Delaware: The First State
– by Dr. Carol Hoffecker

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

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.

The Delaware Heritage Commission began its long career by commemorating the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. With the Commission currently making plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolution in 2026, we are proud to present “Liberty and Independence”. Originally published by the Commission in 1976 for the Bicentennial, we are proud to offer this, for the first time, as an e-book.

Liberty and Independence: The Delaware State during the American Revolution
– by Harold B. Hancock

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

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.

The State of Delaware Historical Markers Program will unveil its newest Historical Marker for the Surf Safety Line at Rehoboth Beach.

This dedication will be held on Thursday, April 14th, 2022 at 10:00 AM at:
The Bandstand
1 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971

The Surf Safety Line was a project funded by the women of the Village Improvement Association (VIA) to assist bathers while they were in the ocean at Rehoboth Beach.

Surf safety lines were ropes that were anchored along the shore and attached to floating buoys in the ocean to assist bathers to pull themselves along the line to go out, and then return safely to the shore.

The following distinguished guests will be in attendance:
The Honorable Peter C. Schwarzkopf, Speaker, Delaware House of Representatives & Historical Marker Sponsor
The Honorable Ernesto “Ernie” B. López, Delaware Senate & Historical Marker Sponsor
The Honorable Stan Mills, Mayor, City of Rehoboth Beach
Ann Sebastian, President, Village Improvement Association
Carole Suchanek, Past-President, Village Improvement Association
Barbara Beatty, Constituent, Village Improvement Association

In 1972, Delaware formed a commission to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. Realizing the need to record, celebrate, and preserve Delaware’s history, this commission was made a permanent institution: the Delaware Heritage Commission. For fifty years, the Commission has worked to educate the public, record our history, and preserve our legacy.

History of the Delaware Heritage Commission: The First Thirty Years
– by Susan Mulcahey Chase

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

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.