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Hagley Museum, The Brandywine Valley Travel Guide

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Explore the birthplace of the DuPont Company and American innovation at this expansive museum and historical site along the Brandywine River.

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 the story of American innovation through exhibits, restored mills, a worker's community, and the du Pont family's ancestral home and gardens.

A brief summary to Hagley Museum

  • 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
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hagley Museum.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum grounds cover 235 acres and involve a good amount of walking.
  • Check the Hagley website for special events and programs, such as Science Saturdays and holiday events.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service that runs between key locations on the museum grounds.
  • Visit the Visitor Center to pick up a map and plan your route, and be sure to see the Nation of Inventors exhibit.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Hagley Museum is located at 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807. From I-95, take exit 7 for Delaware Avenue/Route 52 West. Follow Route 52 West to Route 141 North. The museum entrance is on Route 141, between the Tyler McConnell Bridge and the Route 100 intersection in Greenville. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center. Private vehicles are not permitted in other areas of Hagley. There is usually additional parking available, so look for parking signs for Hagley or the Hike & Bike. It takes several minutes to walk from the Overflow to the entrance, so plan ahead.

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington, the DART First State Route 10 bus runs to Hagley Museum. Take the Route 10 bus from West St @ 11th St to 17th St @ Tower Rd. From there, it is a short walk to the museum entrance. The bus fare is $1 - $2.

Discover more about Hagley Museum

Hagley Museum, located on 235 acres along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of American industry and innovation. Founded in 1802 by E.I. du Pont, the site was originally a black powder manufacturing complex that played a significant role in the nation's development. Today, the museum features a variety of exhibits and attractions that showcase the history of the DuPont Company, the du Pont family, and the evolution of American technology.Visitors can explore restored mills and learn about the process of gunpowder production, witness demonstrations, and tour Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home in America. The E.I. du Pont Garden, adjacent to the home, provides a beautiful complement to the historic house tour. A restored worker's community offers insights into the lives of the people who worked at the powder mills, with a one-room schoolhouse and gardens. The museum's exhibits also highlight the connection between early industrial technology and American history, with a large collection of American patent models.Hagley provides a unique experience that blends history, technology, and natural beauty. It's an ideal destination for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in learning about the origins of American innovation. Visitors can easily spend a half day exploring the various exhibits and buildings on the campus.
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