Picture of Blue Ball Barn

Blue Ball Barn


Blue Ball Barn

This extraordinary barn, progressive in its environmental design, is the home of the Delaware Folk Art Collection. Visit the permanent and rotating art exhibits, or tour our displays highlighting the history of the barn and surrounding landscape. Renovations have created a multifunctional conference, special event and gallery space featuring meeting rooms, a large banquet room and a secluded courtyard.


Upcoming Events

2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition

Saturday, March 25, 2023

8:00 AM

The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours.

Add to Calendar 3/25/2023 8:00:00 AM 3/25/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York 2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours. Alapocas Run

2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition

Saturday, April 1, 2023

8:00 AM

The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours.

Add to Calendar 4/1/2023 8:00:00 AM 4/1/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York 2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours. Alapocas Run

2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition Closing

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

8:00 AM

The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours.

Add to Calendar 4/4/2023 8:00:00 AM 4/4/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York 2023 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition Closing The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are on display, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 13 & 14, 5:00-7:30 pm; Secondary Opening Night – March 28, 6-8 pm. This exhibition will operate through April 4th during normal business hours. Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Basket Weaving

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

6:00 PM

Learn traditional basket weaving techniques with expert basket maker Joan Betzold. Students will create an original basket originally designed by Joan.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/19/2023 6:00:00 PM 4/19/2023 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Basket Weaving Learn traditional basket weaving techniques with expert basket maker Joan Betzold. Students will create an original basket originally designed by Joan. Alapocas Run

Earth Day at the Storybook Trail

Friday, April 21, 2023

10:00 AM

Join us to celebrate Earth Day at the Storybook Trail with nature-based activities. FREE

Add to Calendar 4/21/2023 10:00:00 AM 4/21/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Earth Day at the Storybook Trail Join us to celebrate Earth Day at the Storybook Trail with nature-based activities. FREE Alapocas Run

Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition Opening

Sunday, April 23, 2023

8:00 AM

Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like. This Exhibition runs during business hours from April 23rd to April 27th.

Add to Calendar 4/23/2023 8:00:00 AM 4/23/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition Opening Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like. This Exhibition runs during business hours from April 23rd to April 27th. Alapocas Run

Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition Closing

Thursday, April 27, 2023

8:00 AM

Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like. This Exhibition runs during business hours from April 23rd to April 27th.

Add to Calendar 4/27/2023 8:00:00 AM 4/27/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition Closing Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like. This Exhibition runs during business hours from April 23rd to April 27th. Alapocas Run

Gym to Crag Climbing Course

Saturday, April 29, 2023

9:00 AM

Join us for a day learning about anchor building and outdoor climbing techniques with East Outdoors. You will learn V-rig style anchors used for top rope climbing and work to hone your footwork and movement skills for smooth, confident climbing on real rock—and become as comfortable climbing outdoors as you do at the gym. With a focus on subtler footwork, balance, and the nuances of finding and using rock holds and features, you’ll refine your climbing technique and technical skills for deeper engagement with every route and a strong foundation for all future climbing objectives. All equipment will be provided and participants should pack a lunch and snacks. Register by April 20th.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/29/2023 9:00:00 AM 4/29/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Gym to Crag Climbing Course Join us for a day learning about anchor building and outdoor climbing techniques with East Outdoors. You will learn V-rig style anchors used for top rope climbing and work to hone your footwork and movement skills for smooth, confident climbing on real rock—and become as comfortable climbing outdoors as you do at the gym. With a focus on subtler footwork, balance, and the nuances of finding and using rock holds and features, you’ll refine your climbing technique and technical skills for deeper engagement with every route and a strong foundation for all future climbing objectives. All equipment will be provided and participants should pack a lunch and snacks. Register by April 20th. Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Herb and Flower Candle Making

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

6:00 PM

Join Iris and Callisto’s Apiary to learn how to make your own hot beeswax poured candle and take home a Herb and Flower Candle. $15 per person. Limit 15 people.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/17/2023 6:00:00 PM 5/17/2023 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Herb and Flower Candle Making Join Iris and Callisto’s Apiary to learn how to make your own hot beeswax poured candle and take home a Herb and Flower Candle. $15 per person. Limit 15 people. Alapocas Run

Introduction to Top Rope Rock Climbing

Saturday, May 27, 2023

9:30 AM

After a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety, get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent. Please note that it is a 10 minute walk from the parking lot with hills. Pre-registration and payment required by noon on the Friday prior to the program date. Ages 8 and up.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/27/2023 9:30:00 AM 5/27/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Introduction to Top Rope Rock Climbing After a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety, get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent. Please note that it is a 10 minute walk from the parking lot with hills. Pre-registration and payment required by noon on the Friday prior to the program date. Ages 8 and up. Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Sculpture

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

6:00 PM

Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos is little kitties in Spanish. Each chanchito has three legs and owning one is considered good luck! Both chanchitos and gatitos are Miranda’s interpretation of the traditional Chilean craft. Bring home some buena suerte and lots of cuteness with one of these chanchitos!

Register Online

Add to Calendar 6/7/2023 6:00:00 PM 6/7/2023 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Sculpture Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos is little kitties in Spanish. Each chanchito has three legs and owning one is considered good luck! Both chanchitos and gatitos are Miranda’s interpretation of the traditional Chilean craft. Bring home some buena suerte and lots of cuteness with one of these chanchitos! Alapocas Run