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Iron Hill School Museum: A Window into the Past

Explore Delaware's past: a historic African-American schoolhouse turned museum, showcasing local history and natural science.

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Housed in a meticulously preserved one-room schoolhouse built in 1923, the Iron Hill School Museum near Newark, Delaware, offers a glimpse into the history of African-American education in the early 20th century and the natural history of the Iron Hill area. The museum's exhibits showcase a diverse collection of artifacts, from local minerals to Native American tools.

A brief summary to Iron Hill School Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Iron Hill Science Center website for the most up-to-date hours of operation, as the schoolhouse has limited hours and is open by request.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Iron Hill Science Center, located nearby, to explore more extensive natural history exhibits.
  • Take a walk on the nature trail behind the museum to see the remnants of iron mining operations and observe local wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Newark, DE, head south on S Old Baltimore Pike. The Iron Hill School Museum is located at 1359-1365 S Old Baltimore Pike. Parking is available on-site. Note that parking may be limited during peak hours.

  • Public Transport

    The Unicity Bus System in Newark may offer a connection to the vicinity, but it's best to check the current routes and schedules, as it primarily operates on weekdays. From the bus stop, it may require a short walk to reach the museum. A single fare on the Unicity Bus is free.

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Discover more about Iron Hill School Museum

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.

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