Delaware is a "DuPont" state, particularly in New Castle County. Most people in the area have visited Longwood Gardens or Winterthur, both impressive DuPont Estates, but slightly less well known is the Hagley Museum and Library located in Wilmington. This was the site of the first DuPont home in America, and it remains dedicated to preserving early industrial American history as a library and museum. Right now, Holidays at Hagley is about to begin, and it's the best time of year to visit the elaborate estate.
The Hagley Estate was established in 1802 along the banks of the Brandywine creek.
E.I. DuPont chose the location for his first black gunpowder mills, due to the power the river produced at this spot, and the availability of timber and other crucial resources.
With over 200 acres of grounds, the walking garden tours are unlike any other.
In true DuPont fashion, the Hagley museum features sprawling land with impressive french gardens, a way to remind the family of their home in France. Today, visitors can walk the gardens during the warm months and see just how meticulously kept they still are.
The remnants of the DuPont Mills still line the Brandywine.
It's quite a sight to see the old mills and buildings still in such great condition. If it weren't for the DuPont family, Delaware would not be where it is today in terms of architecture and development.
Many artists come to the Hagley museum and are inspired by its beauty.
In the fall, it's one of the best places to see foliage in Delaware. The stunning, sprawling estate is easy to get lost in as you wander through a serene landscape.
Beyond the gardens, there's an incredible museum dedicated to the history of industry in Delaware.
Particularly in focus is the technology that was used at the turn of the cenutry, and how it impacted American history.
The exhibits will really give you a feel for life in the 1800s.
With featured displays of clothing, technology, machinery, household goods and more, the collection here is impressive.
Of course, there's a lot of Hagley dedicated to the cars of the time, too.
And oftentimes in the spring and summer, the museum hosts car shows where you can see even more of these impressive machines.
Right now, the Holidays and Hagley exhibit is on display.
Located in the Eleutherian Mills home, the theme this year is Children and Their Toys. You'll find beautiful holiday decorations as well as vintage toys, games, and dolls.
The authenticity of the Hagley museum is one if its biggest draws.
The DuPont Family Holiday Traditions are still honored, as you'll see with their holiday setups throughout the house. It's incredible to feel like you're a part of history, and that's absolutely what being at Hagley is like. The Holidays at Hagley exhibition opens Friday, November 25, and closes on Sunday, January 1.
You can visit the Hagley Museum at 200 Hagley Creek Road, in Wilmington, Delaware. They're open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM every day.
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