Georgetown Historical Society to host Civil War Days open house May 16

Living history event connects Sussex County stories to Delaware’s 250th commemoration

GEORGETOWN, Del. — As Delaware communities lean into a renewed focus on local history tied to the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial, the Georgetown Historical Society is inviting the public to step back in time during its Civil War Days open house on Saturday, May 16.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the society’s museum complex at 510 S. Bedford St. in Georgetown, offering an immersive look at one of the most defining periods in American history.

Visitors can tour authentic-style military camps representing both Union and Confederate soldiers, watch live drilling exercises and witness firing demonstrations of small arms and artillery from the era. Organizers say the goal is to bring history to life while helping attendees better understand the personal and political forces that shaped the nation during the conflict.

“This is an opportunity for people to experience history, not just read about it,” organizers said in event materials. “The Civil War defined us as what we are and opened us to what we became.”

Living history and hands-on learning

Throughout the day, reenactors will be available to discuss why soldiers from both the North and South joined the war, offering insight into the motivations and realities faced by those who lived through the 1861–1865 conflict.

Guests will also have the chance to connect with members of heritage organizations such as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Sons of Confederate Veterans to learn about their missions and ongoing preservation work.

For those interested in genealogy, volunteers will be on hand to help visitors begin researching ancestors who may have served during the Civil War, providing a personal connection to the broader historical narrative.

Additional displays, vendors and interactive exhibits will explore camp life, military equipment and civilian experiences during the war. Food will be available for purchase on-site.

A growing historical destination

The Civil War Days event also serves as an introduction to the Georgetown Historical Society’s expanding campus, which has evolved into a “historical village” through years of preservation and community effort.

The property includes restored and relocated buildings such as an 1833 one-room schoolhouse, an 1890 Methodist church, an 1880 blacksmith shop and former railroad station structures. The site also features specialty collections like the Delaware Telephone Museum, the Sanger Western Auto Museum and the Jim Boyer Model Train Museum.

Many of the buildings and original carriage collections trace back to donations connected to the estate of Nutter D. Marvel Sr., with additional land and artifacts acquired over time to create the larger complex that exists today.

Operated entirely by volunteers, the museum offers free tours, with docents available to guide visitors through exhibits ranging from antique carriages and musical instruments to regional artifacts and photographs.

Connecting local stories to a national milestone

As Delaware prepares to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, events like Civil War Days highlight the role local communities play in preserving and sharing history beyond the Revolutionary era.

Organizers say the open house is designed to engage residents of all ages, encouraging them to explore the stories that shaped both their town and the country.

If You Go

What: Civil War Days Open House
Where: Georgetown Historical Society Museum, 510 S. Bedford St., Georgetown
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Living history camps, demonstrations, exhibits, genealogy assistance and food vendors
Admission: Free
More info: georgetowndehistorical.org or 302-855-9660