Delaware Public Archives

Kent County · dedicated 2025 · 121 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd N, Dover

Governor John Clark first encouraged the archiving of records in 1818, but taking action took time. In 1905, citizens fearing document loss urged lawmakers, who ultimately formed the Division of Public Records. Walter G. Tatnall became the first state archivist in 1913, based in the Old State House. To expand, the Hall of Records was built in 1938. Underground storage was added in 1970. As the Hall aged, residents pushed for a new building. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2001, joined to the updated Hall. One of the oldest U.S. archives, this site preserves and shares the history of the First State and its people.

David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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Source: State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, administered by the Delaware Public Archives.
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