Hagley Museum: Where History and Innovation Meet

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Explore the birthplace of the DuPont Company and American innovation at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington, Delaware.

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Hagley Museum

Explore the Hagley Museum, the site of the original DuPont Company's black powder works on the banks of the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware. Discover restored mills, a workers' community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family, offering a glimpse into early American industry and innovation.

A brief summary to Hagley Museum

200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, Delaware, 19807, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum grounds are extensive and include uneven terrain.
Check the Hagley website for the most up-to-date information on hours, special events, and closures.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum.
Take advantage of the free shuttle service to navigate the large property.
Visit during a demonstration to see the historic machinery in action.

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Getting There

Driving

To reach Hagley Museum by car, enter '200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807' into your GPS. The museum is located off Route 141, between the Tyler McConnell Bridge and the Route 100 intersection in Greenville. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center. Be sure to use the museum entrance at 200 Hagley Creek Road.
Public Transport

From Wilmington, take the DART First State Route 010 bus towards Greenville. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes from West St @ 11Th St to 17Th St @ Tower Rd, with departures every hour. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Hagley Museum entrance. The bus fare is $1 - $2.

Discover more about Hagley Museum

Hagley Museum, situated on 235 acres along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware, is a captivating blend of industrial history and natural beauty. This is where Éleuthère Irénée du Pont founded his black powder mills in 1802, laying the foundation for the DuPont Company's future. The museum offers a multifaceted experience, inviting visitors to explore restored mills that once powered the production of black powder. Wander through a recreated workers' community, offering insights into the lives of those who labored here. Tour Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home in America, showcasing the family's life across five generations with antique furnishings and American folk art. Don't miss the E.I. du Pont Garden, a beautiful complement to the historic house. Hagley's exhibits detail the DuPont Company's history, its impact on American industry, and the evolution of technology. The museum is also home to a significant collection of 19th-century American patent models. Visitors can explore the museum through self-guided tours, daily demonstrations, and guided tours. A free shuttle service connects key locations on the property, including the Visitor Center, Powder Yard, and the Workers' Hill Community. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the expansive grounds and uneven terrain.