America250

Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

The Brandywine Partners W3R Welcome Center proudly serves as a host venue for America's historic 250th anniversary celebration

OUR MISSION

Preserving History, Inspiring Future

As an official partner venue for America250, the Brandywine Partners W3R Welcome Center serves as a gateway to understanding our nation's remarkable journey from 1776 to today.

Our facility hosts rotating exhibits, educational programs, and community events that celebrate the diverse stories and achievements that define the American experience.

Learn about America250 Initiative

1776 - 2026

250 Years of Democracy, Innovation, and Unity

Interactive Exhibits & Artifacts

Discover authentic artifacts, immersive displays, and interactive experiences that bring American history to life

PERMANENT

Founding Documents Gallery

High-resolution reproductions of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights with interactive commentary.

Main Gallery
ROTATING

Our American Story

Featured stories from the America250 nationwide initiative showcasing diverse voices and experiences from across the country.

Community Hall
INTERACTIVE

Innovation Timeline

Interactive digital timeline showcasing 250 years of American innovations, from the cotton gin to space exploration.

Innovation Wing
THE FIRST STATE

Delaware 250 Events & Initiatives

As the First State to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware holds a special place in America's 250th anniversary celebrations

Revolution at 250 Symposium

Educational Program

A symposium for Delaware museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations planning for the 2026 Semiquincentennial.

February 3, 2025
Dover, DE

Voices of the Brandywine

Historical Site

Multi-pronged interpretive strategy highlighting stories of indigenous peoples, immigrants, people of color, and labor history through outdoor panels, tours, and programs.

2025-2026
Hagley Museum and Library
Learn More

First State Heritage Park Programs

Historical Site

Special America250 programming at sites connected to Delaware government and the American Revolution, including the Old State House.

2025-2026
Dover, DE

Nanticoke Heritage Byway Tours

Community Event

Eight specialized tours exploring the diverse histories along the scenic Nanticoke Heritage Byway over two years.

2025-2026
Southern Delaware

Native Roots Art & Language Projects

Community Event

Public projects combining art, ethnobotany, and language revitalization honoring Delaware Native/Indigenous peoples and their connection to native plants.

2025-2026
Statewide

Rehoboth Beach African American History

Museum

Exhibit, online walking tour, and public events commemorating the history and contributions of the African American community.

2025-2026
Rehoboth Beach, DE

Key Delaware Historical Sites

Old State House

Dover, DE

Delaware's colonial capitol and site of ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Central venue for First State heritage programming

Hagley Museum and Library

Wilmington, DE

Original DuPont gunpowder mills and Industrial Revolution site

Voices of the Brandywine interpretive programming

John Dickinson Plantation

Dover, DE

Home of Delaware Founding Father John Dickinson

Founding Fathers and colonial history interpretation

Historic New Castle

New Castle, DE

Colonial town with preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture

Colonial heritage and early American life programming

Fort Christina

Wilmington, DE

Site of first Swedish settlement in Delaware Valley (1638)

Early colonial history and diverse settlement stories

Delaware 250 Grant Recipients

Supporting 34 organizations across Delaware with $278,951 in funding

Hagley Museum and Library

Voices of the Brandywine

People-centered interpretation through outdoor panels, tours, and programs highlighting diverse stories.

Wilmington, DE$6,650

Lewes African American Heritage Commission

Johnnie Walker Beach Heritage Project

Interpretive signage and photograph preservation documenting beach history and significance.

Lewes, DE$5,000

Nanticoke Heritage Byway

Heritage Tours Program

Eight tours over two years exploring diverse histories along the scenic byway.

Southern Delaware$10,000

Native Roots Farm Foundation

Indigenous Art & Language Projects

Art, ethnobotany, and language revitalization projects honoring Native/Indigenous peoples.

Statewide$10,000

Overfalls Foundation

Delaware Bay Lightships Project

Exhibit and oral histories about lightship history on Delaware Bay.

Lewes, DE$5,350

Rehoboth Beach Museum

African American Community History

Exhibit, walking tour, and events celebrating African American contributions.

Rehoboth Beach, DE$6,650

America250 Events & Programming

Join us for special events, educational programs, and community celebrations throughout the America250 commemoration

Upcoming America250 Events

Special commemorative events, guest speakers, and educational workshops celebrating American history and heritage.

Get Event Updates

Educational Programs

School field trips, adult education seminars, and family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Schedule a Visit

Music in the Plaza - America250 Series

Our popular Music in the Plaza events will feature special America250-themed performances celebrating American musical heritage throughout the commemoration period.

View Music Events

Be Part of History

Visit the Brandywine Partners W3R Welcome Center and experience America's remarkable 250-year journey. Together, we celebrate our past and inspire our future.