Laurel (Delaware) Historical Society

Laurel (Delaware) Historical Society The town claims five governors of Delaware: Nathaniel Mitchell (1805-1808), John Collins (1821-1825), William B. Cooper (1841-1845), William H. Join us!

Laurel was established in 1789 on the site of a former Nanticoke Indian reservation, and grew to become one of the wealthiest towns in Delaware by the late 19th century. Ross (1851-1855), and Elbert N. Carvel (1949-1953, 1961-1965). Today Laurel is a hub of historic architecture, with approximately 700 contributing buildings in the National Register-listed Laurel Historic District alone. The Laure

l Historical Society was founded in 1977 in the aftermath of the Bicentennial celebration. The original group of 60 founding members has grown to nearly 300, and the society owns or manages four museums: Rosemont, the home of Governor Nathaniel Mitchell (121 Delaware Ave); the recently-restored Hitchens Homestead (205 Willow St); the Cook House (502 E. 4th St); and the Laurel Heritage Museum, a.k.a. the Train Station (215 Mechanic St). The society also owns and plans to restore the George B. Phillips House (502 S Central Ave). It's an exciting time to be part of the Laurel Historical Society!

We are pleased to announce that beginning on Sunday, June 7th, Centenary United Methodist Church will join the list of l...
05/31/2026

We are pleased to announce that beginning on Sunday, June 7th, Centenary United Methodist Church will join the list of local historic sites open for free tours. Completed in 1912, the church is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful stained glass windows in Delaware.

SAVE THE DATE: Join us at the Hitchens Homestead on the 4th of July as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, the restor...
05/26/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Join us at the Hitchens Homestead on the 4th of July as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, the restoration of the Homestead, and the completion of our new "Hitchens Barn" event venue! Homemade ice cream and cake will be available for purchase, and there's no better spot from which to watch the fireworks. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026
An early, bustling scene alongside the railroad tracks. Note the Laurel Water Works building on the far right and houses...
05/22/2026

An early, bustling scene alongside the railroad tracks. Note the Laurel Water Works building on the far right and houses on Carvel Avenue in the background.

05/20/2026

Get registered by June 15th to save $10 off registration on the Bike ride! 5K registration is open as well! Scan the QR codes for links to sign up!

An early view of Market Street and its intersection with Central Avenue, looking east.
05/12/2026

An early view of Market Street and its intersection with Central Avenue, looking east.

05/06/2026

Outside of Laurel High • circa 1961!

🗞: The Delmarva News, Selbyville, Del., May 15, 1976.
05/05/2026

🗞: The Delmarva News, Selbyville, Del., May 15, 1976.

All five museums on Broad Creek will be open TODAY, Sunday, May 3, between 1:00 & 4:00 pm. Tours are free and all are we...
05/03/2026

All five museums on Broad Creek will be open TODAY, Sunday, May 3, between 1:00 & 4:00 pm. Tours are free and all are welcome. We're excited about new exhibits at Rosemont and the Hitchens Homestead!

■ Old Christ Church | Christ Church Road | Step into 1772 at Laurel's lovingly preserved house of worship on the banks of Chipman's Pond.

■ Rosemont | 121 Delaware Avenue | Built circa 1772, Laurel's oldest and most prestigious residence was once the home of Nathaniel Mitchell, a Revolutionary War hero and governor of Delaware.

■ The Laurel Heritage Museum | 215 Mechanic Street | Located in the old Laurel Train Station, which once welcomed travelers to town and saw members of the community leave to serve in World War II.

■ The Hitchens Homestead | 205 Willow Street | The crown jewel of Broad Creek features a Gothic Revival house built in 1878 as well as several outbuildings, including the earlier Mill-Hand House.

■ The Bethel Maritime Museum | 312 First Street (Bethel) | Some of the highlights of the Bethel Historical Society's museum include model's of Bethel's famous "sailing rams," antique ship-carpenter's tools, and American Indian artifacts.

Address

502 E 4th Street, PO Box 102
Laurel, DE
19956

Telephone

(302) 875-1344

Website

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