Picture of Port Penn Interpretive Center

Port Penn Interpretive Center


Attention Visitors

The Interpretive Center is Temporarily Closed for Repairs

Port Penn Interpretive Center

The Port Penn Interpretive Center is located in the village of Port Penn, about four miles south of Delaware City. The Center offers displays and programs which explain the folklife of the historic wetland communities along the shores of the Delaware. Programs and self-guided walking tours featuring the historic homes of Port Penn and the scenic marshlands surrounding the town are available.


Upcoming Events

Wetland Trail Walk

Saturday, December 16, 2023

10:00 AM

Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that were so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.

Add to Calendar 12/16/2023 10:00:00 AM 12/16/2023 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Wetland Trail Walk Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that were so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Port Penn

Historic Town Tour

Saturday, January 20, 2024

10:00 AM

Port Penn has a very unique and interesting history. In this program, we will talk about the development of the town from the 1760s through the present. Along the way, we will see a number of the historic buildings that showcase the town's story. All tours start at the Interpretive Center. They are free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.

Add to Calendar 1/20/2024 10:00:00 AM 1/20/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Historic Town Tour Port Penn has a very unique and interesting history. In this program, we will talk about the development of the town from the 1760s through the present. Along the way, we will see a number of the historic buildings that showcase the town's story. All tours start at the Interpretive Center. They are free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Port Penn

Wetland Trail Walk

Saturday, January 27, 2024

10:00 AM

Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that were so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.

Add to Calendar 1/27/2024 10:00:00 AM 1/27/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Wetland Trail Walk Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that were so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Port Penn

Intro to Port Penn Virtual Program

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

6:30 PM

In the 1760s, Port Penn's founders hoped that it would become a seaport to rival Philadelphia. Though it never quite lived up to those aspirations, Port Penn is a remarkable community that managed to be both international and uniquely Delawarean. This program will be held via Microsoft Teams. It is free, but registration is required to get the sign-on link. Please register by emailing Jake at Jacob.miller@delaware.gov, or by calling 302-601-6382.

Add to Calendar 2/13/2024 6:30:00 PM 2/13/2024 7:30:00 PM America/New_York Intro to Port Penn Virtual Program In the 1760s, Port Penn's founders hoped that it would become a seaport to rival Philadelphia. Though it never quite lived up to those aspirations, Port Penn is a remarkable community that managed to be both international and uniquely Delawarean. This program will be held via Microsoft Teams. It is free, but registration is required to get the sign-on link. Please register by emailing Jake at Jacob.miller@delaware.gov, or by calling 302-601-6382. Port Penn

Historic Town Tour

Saturday, February 24, 2024

2:00 PM

Port Penn has a very unique and interesting history. In this program, we will talk about the development of the town from the 1760s through the present. Along the way, we will see a number of the historic buildings that showcase the town's story. All tours start at the Interpretive Center. They are free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941.

Add to Calendar 2/24/2024 2:00:00 PM 2/24/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Historic Town Tour Port Penn has a very unique and interesting history. In this program, we will talk about the development of the town from the 1760s through the present. Along the way, we will see a number of the historic buildings that showcase the town's story. All tours start at the Interpretive Center. They are free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Port Penn