Gov. Jack Markell and Delaware Tourism launch Delaware History Trail
Gov. Jack Markell and the Delaware Tourism Office launched the Delaware History Trail, comprising 36 sites located throughout the state, to showcase the First State’s abundance of historical sites and to educate visitors and residents about Delaware’s place in American history. Visitors can now follow a trail of exploration to discover and experience Delaware’s rich heritage.
To get started, participants download a trail passport and obtain a list of sites and trail rules at visitdelaware.com/History. As visitors experience each historic site, they record site codes in their passports found on the Delaware History Trail signs posted at each trail site. Participants then submit their passports to the Delaware Tourism Office to receive a special reward for completing the trail.
Trail participants who visit a minimum of 18 sites, including six sites from each of Delaware’s three counties, are eligible to receive a limited-edition book titled, “Landmarks and Legacies.” The book is a colorful narrative written by Pam George and includes complementary photographs by photographer Kevin Fleming that highlight 50 of Delaware’s prominent historic places, each with its own distinctive story. The book also includes a foreword by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and an introduction by historian Russ McCabe, both of whom have strong ties to the state of Delaware.
“The Delaware History Trail salutes our heritage and celebrates Delaware Day,” said Markell. “We have a powerful story to tell about our state that started a nation’ a nation that influenced aspiring democracies around the world. Delawareans and visitors will both benefit from following the Delaware History Trail to learn stories about the roots of our great nation and our special state.”
“Preservation of historic sites in Delaware is critical to maintaining the integrity of our cultural heritage,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “Establishing the Delaware History Trail is a great way for the Delaware Tourism Office and the Department of State to work together to preserve and promote the First State’s wealth of historic resources.”
“Increased visitation fuels the economy, leading to job creation, state and local tax revenue, thriving communities, and an enhanced quality of life for all Delawareans,” said Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “The Delaware History Trail is yet another vehicle to drive more visitors to the First State who support small businesses, the backbone of our state’s economy.”
“A national study indicated that 78 percent of leisure travelers take part in activities involving culture and heritage during their destination travels,” said Director of Tourism Linda Parkowski of the Delaware Tourism Office. “With 118 million adults each year spending approximately $994 per trip, cultural and heritage travelers contribute $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy. We want to bring this market share home to Delaware.”
The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, a division of the Delaware Economic Development Office, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, go to the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free 866-284-7483.
