Delaware Archives unveils new ‘Unusual Treasures’ exhibit

The Unusual Treasures exhibit is now active.

From taxes on single men to pirate licenses, to cake recipes of famous residents and mosquito control guides, Delaware’s history is taking a whimsical turn this summer with a new exhibit at the Delaware Public Archives.

Titled “Unusual Treasures,” the digital collection features more than two dozen quirky and captivating artifacts that offer a fresh look at the First State’s past.

Far from the typical birth certificates and legal documents, the exhibit highlights offbeat items like an 1821 law taxing bachelors, Revolutionary War-era privateering licenses, and even braille maps.

The documents might be surprising or delightful, but they show how rich, diverse, and sometimes downright strange the state’s historical record can be.

Each item was hand-picked by staff members, who selected their personal favorites from the collections to share with the public.

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In addition to the digital display, a free companion booklet featuring photos and detailed descriptions of each item is available in print at the Archives and online through the agency’s website.

To view the exhibit, click here.