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Open-air museum · Wilmington, Delaware
Hagley Museum and Library
The place where the du Pont family began making gunpowder in 1802 on the banks of the Brandywine, with restored mills, demonstrations, and the family’s first house.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hagley Museum and Library
In 1802 Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, a French immigrant who had studied chemistry with Lavoisier, established a gunpowder mill on the banks of the Brandywine River, harnessing water power. That was the start of the DuPont company, which produced gunpowder there for more than a century, until 1921.
Hagley Museum occupies the area of the former factory along the river. The stone mill buildings have been restored, and guides give demonstrations of the machinery and, on some days, controlled explosions that show how gunpowder was tested. A period machine shop and a worker family’s house depict the daily life of employees.
At the top of the site sits Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont family’s first house in the United States, dating to 1803, with furniture spanning five generations and a French-inspired garden. A shuttle bus connects the museum areas.
The library’s holdings include documents on business and technological history and serve researchers by appointment.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours.
Best time
From spring through fall, when demonstrations and the shuttle run more frequently. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
How to get there
By car, about 6 km from downtown Wilmington via DE-141. Parking is adjacent to the visitor center.
Tip
Check the schedule for machinery demonstrations. Wear comfortable shoes: the grounds are extensive and include hills.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hagley Museum and Library
What is the Hagley Museum?
A museum installed in the du Pont family’s old gunpowder works, founded in 1802 on the banks of the Brandywine River.
How long does a visit to Hagley take?
Between two and four hours to see the mills, the demonstrations, and the Eleutherian Mills house.
Is the Hagley Museum open every day?
No: it is closed Wednesdays and on some public holidays. Confirm hours before you go.