As part of our mission to share Newark's history, the Newark Historical Society participates in various community events throughout the year. In addition, we are proud to sponsor special educational events for our members and local history buffs. Our two signature events are the Founders' Day Celebration and the Annual Membership Meeting.
Photo of the 2021 Newark Rotary Club's Flags for Heroes display at the Newark Reservoir, Courtesy of Will Webber Homes
Upcoming Events
The Historical Dynamics of the Underground Railroad and The History of Cake: 1830 - 1865
An In-person Event
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Newark Senior Center - 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark Free Limited Seating - Pre-registration required (see link below)
Speakers Catherine Lee Short and J. Michael Short will talk about the the resourcefulness of enslaved Africans being courageous enough to act upon hope unseen, and to free themselves through the Underground Railroad. This unique presentation will have an emphasis on Delaware's Underground Railroad history, and will include the decoding of spirituals created during enslavement, and how cake is connected to the stories of the freedom seekers. A special cake from Cakes By Dana will be served. Seating is limited to the first 65 registrants according to Newark Senior Center's social distancing guidelines. Please use this link to register: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-historical-dynamics-of-the-underground-railroad-and-the-history-of-cake-tickets-240164176517
National Trails Day: History on the Trails
A Guided Bike Ride on Newark's Trails
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022 Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am $5 for Newark Residents, $8 Non-Residents Pre-registration and fee payment required (see link below) Ages 8 and over Meet at Phillips Park
Newark’s award-winning Hall and Pomeroy Trails were laid out along the routes of 19th century railroads that had a major impact on Newark’s history. Join local historian Jim Jones for a gentle bicycle ride to discover what the railroads and their neighbors left behind. The tour is offered in partnership with Newark Parks & Recreation. The ride will begin at Phillips Park and end at Olan Thomas Park; round trip approximately 4 miles total. Newark History Museum will be open from 9am until noon this day also. This is a rain or shine event. Bicycle and helmet required. Pre-registration and fee payment required. secure.rec1.com/DE/newark-de/catalog
Curator's Small Group Museum Tour
Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022 Time: Two Tours starting at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm Newark History Museum, 429 South College Avenue, Newark
Free, but pre-registration is required (see links below)
The Curator's Tour of the Newark History Museum will allow a small group of guests to have a guided tour experience with unique insights into the museum's collection. Tours require pre-registration (see links below) and will begin at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Learn about the stories that did not make it onto the exhibit labels, and see the second floor of the museum that is not normally open to guests. Let us know if you have a special topic of interest in Newark history, and we will dig into our collection to show you what we have stored in "Newark's Attic."
Special guest speaker Alex Toth from Save Old Newark Coalition will speak about the Press of Kells objects he has loaned to the "Treasures from Private Collections" exhibit, and the ongoing effort to preserve the Press of Kells building.
The tour will be approximately 1.5 hours including a guided portion and free time to view the exhibits. You must be able to climb one flight of stairs to view the second floor, but the first floor of the museum is ADA accessible. Parking and admission are free. Donations toward the care of the collections at the Newark History Museum are gratefully accepted.