Fort Delaware Museum

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

The most popular men’s headwear at the time of the Revolution was the “cocked hat,” usually today called a “tricorn hat.”

Called “cocked” hats because the sides were pinned up in three places to create a triangular shape, the hat style was made popular by European gentry but by the time of the American Revolution was so popular at all levels of society as to be essentially ubiquitous. Cocked hats were standard parts of military dress for both British and American officers and enlisted men, often adorned with a cockade. Early in the war, when uniforms were rare among the Patriots, General Washington ordered that cockades be used to distinguish rank (pink for field officers, white for captains, green for lower-ranking officers). In 1780 American officers were requested to wear black and white cockades, which represented the French American alliance.

Cocked hats fell out of fashion in America in the early 19th century and nowadays the “tricorn” hat is associated with the colonial and revolutionary eras.

The image is a photo of a cocked hat in the collection of the Museum of the American Revolution (without a cockade).

05/23/2026

☔️🌧️☔️💧⛈️☔️💧

Because of the forecast for steady rain today… Saturday, May 23, Fort Delaware will NOT be opening. The Bold Gold Media Speaker Series program on “Nathaniel Sackett: The Godfather of American Intelligence” scheduled for this evening is postponed to a future date TBD.

We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank you for your understanding.

05/18/2026

The Godfather of American Intelligence

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Although they had the talented character actor Stephen Root in the role, the television series “Turn” did not do a very good job of conveying Nathaniel Sackett’s contribution to the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War, and fabricated an inaccurate depiction of his death.

Hear the true story of Nathaniel Sackett, including his unexpected tie to Sullivan County, next Saturday, May 23 as the Bold Gold Media Speaker series presents Sullivan County Historian John Conway and “The Godfather of American Intelligence: The Nathaniel Sackett Story” at Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History in Narrowsburg, NY. The program starts at 5:15 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Fort Delaware is located on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway at 6615 Route 97 in Narrowsburg, NY. Owned by Sullivan County and operated by The Delaware Company. “We live history!”

Pictured: Stephen Root as spymaster Nathaniel Sackett in “Turn.”

05/16/2026

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Time begins on Opening Day! Although the saying was coined for baseball, we think it applies to Fort Delaware, too. The 2026 season begins today!

Come celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial with us. We live history!

Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History is located on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway at 6615 Route 97 in Narrowsburg, NY. Open Saturday and Sunday 10-5. No one admitted after 4 p.m.

Also open Memorial Day Monday!

05/16/2026

Available in our gift shop:

05/14/2026

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Mark your calendars! Revolutionary War heroine Deborah Sampson returns to Sullivan County on Saturday, August 1!

The Delaware Company and the Sullivan County Semiquincentennial Commission present Judith Kalaora of History at Play in the one-woman play, “A Revolution of Her Own” at the Narrowsburg Union.

Details to follow… sullivanny250.org and thedelawarecompany.org to stay up to date on all the local events celebrating America’s 250th.

05/09/2026

We’re back!

Well, almost… Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History opens its doors to the public for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 16.

The Fort will be open Saturdays and Sundays thru the end of June, Thursday thru Sunday in July and August, and weekends again after Labor Day thru the middle of October. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m.

Check this page for weather related closures and for special programming.

The Bold Gold Media Speaker Series kicks off this year on Saturday, May 23 with Sullivan County Historian John Conway’s presentation, “The Godfather of American Intelligence: The Nathaniel Sackett Story.” Learn about one of Sullivan County’s lesser known connections to the Revolutionary War. The program is free in the event tent behind the Fort and begins at 5:15 p.m.

Come celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial with us this year… we live history!

04/30/2026

04/26/2026

The Fort Delaware Fife & Drum Corps opened the Saturday night installment of the Semiquincentennial Film Festival featuring Episode Four of Ken Burns’ celebrated documentary of the American Revolution which included footage shot at Fort Delaware.
The corps always welcomes new members - ages 8 to 108. No experience necessary.
Plus, it welcomes invitations to most patriotic events… as well as weddings and bar mitzvahs. 😁🇺🇸
Contact: [email protected]