Delaware's Indigenous Heritage on Your Beach Trip

On your way to visit beaches in Delaware, you may be surprised to find a National Historic Landmark with ties to the Chespeake Bay. Just a half hour's drive away from the seashore is a museum that tells the story of the Nanticoke people. The Nanticoke people's homeland is the Nanticoke River, flowing from the Chesapeake Bay northeast into Delaware. In the summer of 1608, Captain John Smith sailed to what is now Maryland's eastern shore. There, he met the Kuskarawaoks, later known as the Nanticoke Indians. Nanticoke, originally spelled Nantaquak, means "the tidewater people" in Algonquian. In 1647, the governor of Maryland ordered his militia to drive the Nanticoke people from the area. After about a century of conflict, many of the Nanticoke people decided to leave for other areas of the country. But some remained and settled along the Indian River in Delaware, near where the Nanticoke Indian Museum stands today. The Nanticoke Indian Museum The Nanticoke Indian Tribe operates this museum and National Historic Landmark in Millsboro, Delaware. The objects on display teach visitors about the skills and history that contribute to Native artistry and educate visitors about the tribe’s traditions. In the first room, view artwork and tools crafted by Tribal citizens. In the second, view artifacts that date back as far as 8,000 B.C.E. and a display of traditional clothing. The museum also has a store where books and crafts may be purchased. Tours are available to school and community groups on request. Visiting the Museum Address: 26673 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966 Phone: (302) 945-7022 Website: https://nanticokeindians.org/locations/nanticoke-indian-museum/ Admission: $5, children under 5 free Hours: April 2 - December 29: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm December 30 - April 1: Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 3pm Nearby Attractions to Include in Your Visit Beaches Rehobeth Beach Bethany Beach Parks & Refuges Delaware Seashore State Park Cape Henlopen State Park Holts Landing State Park Fenwick Island State Park Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Gordons Pond State Park Great Cypress Swamp Nature Preserve Trap Pond State Park Redden State Forest Attractions Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek Seaford Museum