Wilmington's Hidden History: Exploring America's First State Through Its Museums

Nestled along the picturesque Brandywine River sits the birthplace of the DuPont legacy—a sprawling 235-acre compound that tells the story of American innovation like no other place I've visited. The Hagley Museum isn't just a collection of old buildings; it's a living, breathing time capsule.

As Mia and I wandered through the original DuPont powder mills, workers' communities, and gardens, I was struck by how the museum balances industrial history with natural beauty. The fall foliage created a stunning backdrop against the 19th-century stone buildings, making every photo look like a painting.

'Mommy, did they really make explosives here?' Mia asked as we watched a black powder demonstration. The guide's eyes lit up at her curiosity, launching into a child-friendly explanation that had both of us captivated.

What impressed me most was how hands-on the experience felt. Unlike museums where everything sits behind glass, Hagley invites visitors to touch, explore, and connect. Before visiting, I downloaded the Hagley audio guide app to my phone and paired it with my favorite travel headphones—a game-changer for absorbing all the fascinating details while keeping Mia engaged with the visual elements.

If Hagley represents America's industrial might, then Winterthur Museum showcases its artistic soul. This former du Pont family home houses one of the most important collections of American decorative arts in existence, spanning 175 rooms filled with treasures that tell the story of American craftsmanship and design.

I'll admit I was initially concerned about bringing a six-year-old to a decorative arts museum, but Winterthur brilliantly caters to families through their Enchanted Woods children's garden and specialized family tours. While Mia was enthralled by the fairy cottage and troll bridge, I found myself mesmerized by the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens (yes, soup tureens can be fascinating—who knew?).

The highlight was undoubtedly the guided tour of the period rooms. Our guide Sarah wasn't just knowledgeable; she was a storyteller who brought each room to life through tales of the families who might have used these spaces. I found myself mentally redecorating my own home after seeing how the early Americans balanced function and beauty.

The 1,000-acre garden surrounding the mansion is worth a visit alone, especially in fall when the colors are at their peak. I'm so glad I packed my lightweight binoculars to spot the various bird species that call the estate home. Mia and I spent nearly an hour watching a family of cardinals flitting through the autumn foliage—a memory I'll cherish forever.

The Delaware Art Museum surprised me in the best possible way. While not as internationally renowned as some big-city institutions, this gem houses two world-class collections that left me wondering why it isn't more famous: the largest collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art outside the UK and an extensive collection of works by Howard Pyle and other American illustrators.

'These paintings tell stories just like your books do,' I explained to Mia as we admired Pyle's dramatic pirate illustrations. The museum does an exceptional job of making art accessible to children, with interactive stations throughout the galleries and a dedicated Studio space where visitors can create their own masterpieces.

What I particularly appreciated was the museum's commitment to showcasing Delaware artists alongside international treasures. The contemporary galleries featured thought-provoking works addressing social justice issues—leading to some unexpectedly deep conversations with my daughter about equality and representation.

After exploring the galleries, we spent a peaceful hour in the sculpture garden, where Mia played hide-and-seek among the installations while I sketched in my travel watercolor kit. I'm no artist, but something about being surrounded by creativity made me want to capture the moment.

Pro tip: The museum's café serves surprisingly excellent locally-sourced fare. Their autumn squash soup was exactly what we needed after a morning of art appreciation.

If you've ever wondered what Versailles would look like if transported to American soil, Nemours Estate is your answer. This early 20th-century mansion built by Alfred I. duPont for his second wife features the largest formal French gardens in North America, complete with gold-leaf statuary, reflecting pools, and meticulously manicured hedges.

The 77-room mansion itself is a testament to Gilded Age opulence. As we toured the gleaming marble halls and rooms filled with antique furniture and fine art, I couldn't help but imagine the lavish parties that must have taken place here. Mia was particularly enchanted by the vintage automobiles in the chauffeur's garage and the antique dolls displayed in what was once a child's bedroom.

'Did princesses live here?' she whispered, wide-eyed at the grandeur. In many ways, they did—just American industrial royalty rather than European nobility.

What makes Nemours special is how it balances grandeur with personal touches. The audio guide shares intimate stories about the duPont family that humanize these industrial titans. I learned that despite his immense wealth, Alfred suffered tremendous personal tragedy, losing his first wife and infant daughter—a reminder that wealth doesn't shield us from life's hardships.

The gardens are spectacular in any season, but fall brings a special magic as the formal French design contrasts with nature's wild autumn palette. I captured some stunning photos using my smartphone camera lens kit to get professional-looking close-ups of architectural details without carrying bulky equipment.

After days filled with museum explorations, having a comfortable home base is essential. We stayed at the Hotel du Pont, a historic property that feels like an extension of the museums we visited. With its ornate lobby featuring oak paneling and terrazzo floors, the hotel is practically a museum itself. While certainly a splurge, the central location and old-world charm made it worth every penny.

For more budget-conscious travelers, the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown offers spacious accommodations perfect for families, with a heated indoor pool that Mia couldn't get enough of. I always pack our inflatable travel booster seat which has been a game-changer for our travels—it inflates quickly at our destination and means I don't have to lug a full car seat through airports.

Wilmington's dining scene pleasantly surprised us with its quality and diversity. La Fia Bakery + Market + Bistro downtown served one of the best farm-to-table meals I've had anywhere, with a changing seasonal menu that showcased local ingredients. The butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage captured autumn on a plate.

For more casual fare, Drop Squad Kitchen offers amazing vegan soul food that even my carnivorous self couldn't stop raving about. Their 'chick'n' and waffles convinced me that plant-based comfort food can be just as satisfying as the original.

Don't leave without trying the local specialty: scrapple. This breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal is a Delaware tradition dating back to German settlers. It's definitely not for everyone (Mia firmly declared it 'weird'), but trying regional specialties is part of the travel experience!