Iron Hill School Museum: A Window into the Past

The Iron Hill School Museum, also known as School House #112C, stands as a testament to the history of education and community in the Iron Hill area of Delaware. Built in 1923 with funding from Pierre S. du Pont, it was one of over 80 schools created to provide modern educational facilities for African-American children during a time of segregation. The school served the local community until segregation was abolished in 1965. In the late 1960s, the Delaware Academy of Science acquired the building and established the Iron Hill Museum. For over 40 years, the museum has showcased the natural history of the region, including exhibits on local flora and fauna, mineralogy, and Native American history. Exhibits include a 'Please Touch Wall,' a collection of rocks and minerals, and displays about the Lenape people. The museum also hosts programs focusing on Earth Science, Natural History, Archeology, and Native Americans. Today, the Iron Hill School Museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about the history of education, the African-American community of Iron Hill, and the natural resources of the area. A recently added African American History Trail further enhances the museum's interpretation of the schoolhouse, highlighting the stories of the free Black community that thrived on Iron Hill in the 1830s.