Jason Beach at Trap Pond

Jason Beach


A Gathering Place for Generations

For generations, the local Black community made memories at Jason Beach, located in Trap Pond State Park. Locals fondly remember gathering there to socialize, dance, picnic, and attend church services and baptisms.

While there was no segregation required by law in Delaware's state park system during the 1950s and 1960s, numerous press accounts and interviews indicate Trap Pond’s beach areas were segregated. Jason Beach was for Black visitors; Headquarters Beach (across the pond) was for white visitors.

To access a full historical report on Jason Beach click here.

To view the interpretive signage that is at Jason Beach click on the links below.


Memories of Jason Beach

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Community Stories

In the interview clips below, community members reflect on their experiences at Jason Beach. Delaware State Parks thanks them for sharing their memories for this project.

Interviews were conducted by Delaware State Parks Volunteer, Helen Elliott and Manager of Cultural Resources, Tom Summers in 2021.

To share your memories of Jason Beach, visit our Community Histories page.

Jonathan Kellam


An Inclusive History


Are They Having Fun Too?


Keeping the Tradition Alive


Howard West


Meeting Friends New and Old


Baptisms at Jason Beach


Dealing with Segregation and Discrimination


Carl Stanley


Traveling on Jason Beach Road


Listening to the Jukebox


Virginia Sneed


Going to the Beach with Church and Family


A Typical Day at Jason Beach


Local Religious Ties to Jason Beach


A Gathering Place for Everyone


Paul Selby


Childhood Days at Jason Beach


Music and Dancing for Everyone


A Local Recollection of Discrimination


Holiday Gatherings at Jason Beach



Jason Beach, Trap Pond State Park, Laurel, DE