Shaped by History & Anchored in Nature
As Fort DuPont honors the past and shapes the future, we invite you to join our community. This newsletter shares events and updates that connect Delaware City and celebrate our area’s rich history and natural beauty.
Preserving Fort DuPont’s Past While Planning for Its Future
Across Fort DuPont, preservation is taking many forms. Historic buildings have been restored and returned to use, while planning and assessment work is helping determine what comes next for other important structures on the campus.
The Chapel is one example. Exterior preservation work has already drawn attention from Delaware City residents, while separate planning is underway to explore accessibility for the historic building. Assessment and planning work involving the Guard Tower and Barracks is also moving forward with partial funding from the Delaware Preservation Fund.
Recent projects show what can happen when historic structures are given another chapter. Former residences on the campus have been restored and are once again occupied, while the recent acquisition of the historic Tilton Building by Delaware NeuroRehab creates an opportunity for another significant Fort DuPont structure to return to active use.
For Lynn Dilliplane, a member of Delaware City Council and former chair of the Delaware City Historic Preservation Commission, seeing these buildings receive new attention has been particularly meaningful.
“I think the restoration that’s been done at Fort DuPont has been done spectacularly,” Dilliplane said. “It just goes to prove that something that’s been old and rundown and allowed to deteriorate can still, through great care, be returned back to its former glory, preserved and once again be used in the future.”
She pointed to the Chapel and War Department Theater as two buildings generating particular interest among Delaware City residents. The Theater, which once welcomed soldiers and local residents for movies and entertainment, is now the subject of renewed conversations about its future.
These projects are part of a much larger preservation story unfolding across Fort DuPont. In next month’s Fort DuPont Flashes, we’ll take a closer look at the preservation successes already achieved, the work underway today and why these historic places continue to matter to the surrounding community.
Around Fort DuPont
Enjoy August at Fort DuPont
There’s still plenty of summer left at Fort DuPont. This month’s events offer opportunities to get outside, enjoy the campus and gather with the community.
Fort Folk Fest featuring Paul and Begonia
Friday, Aug. 28 | 7 to 9 p.m.
Fort DuPont Pavilion, 2546 Colter Road
Bring a friend and a chair and enjoy an evening of live music at the Fort as the Fort Folk Fest series continues.
Coming Up at Fort DuPont
September brings two of the season’s signature events to Fort DuPont, including a day devoted to bringing history to life and the finale of this year’s Fort Folk Fest series.
From Muskets to Machine Guns: A Day of Living History
Friday, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort DuPont Parade Ground
Living historians, demonstrations and displays bring different periods of military history to life during this free community event.
Fort Folk Fest featuring Red Smith
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7 to 9 p.m.
Fort DuPont Pavilion, 2546 Colter Road
Bring a friend and a chair and help close out the Fort Folk Fest season with one final evening of live music at Fort DuPont.
Native Flora Walk: Fall Foliage
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9 to 11 a.m.
Fort DuPont State Park
Enjoy the changing colors of the season during the final Native Flora Walk of the year, presented by the Friends of Fort DuPont in partnership with Delaware State Parks.
More information about upcoming Friends of Fort DuPont events is available at friendsoffortdupont.org.
Friends of Fort DuPont
The Friends of Fort DuPont continue to build support for preservation, programming and care across the campus through their Home at the Fort campaign. Community support helps ensure Fort DuPont remains open, active and welcoming.
How to give:
Text FORTDUPONT to 5355, or donate online.
About Friends of Fort DuPont:
The Friends of Fort DuPont is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Fort DuPont’s beauty and history while building a vibrant, community-driven future. We support revitalization through arts, culture, and shared events that connect neighbors and celebrate Delaware City.
Community Happenings
At the Library
There is always something happening at the Delaware City Library. From children’s programs and teen activities to crafts, workshops and community events, the library offers opportunities for all ages to learn, create and connect.
Visit the library’s events page to see upcoming programs and activities:
At the Park
