Hagley Museum: A Fun Family Adventure

Recently, our family spent a day exploring the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware—a place filled with history, stories of invention, and plenty of hands-on learning. It’s where the DuPont family first established their black powder works in the early 1800s, and walking the grounds gave us a vivid picture of what life was like for the workers, their families, and the DuPonts themselves.

The DuPont Family Home

We started our visit at Eleutherian Mills, the ancestral home of the DuPont family. Walking through its rooms, we learned about their daily lives—how they entertained, managed the business, and raised their children. It felt both grand and homey, and we couldn’t help but imagine what family dinners must have been like here two hundred years ago.

Next, we stepped into the company office, which looked just like the clerks had left it for the day.

The huge wooden desk was covered with old ledgers, maps, and even a quill pen. We imagined the workers’ families coming here to be paid, the DuPont managers tracking orders, and the hum of daily life that kept the whole operation running. It felt like stepping right into the 19th century. Don't forget to check out the near-by garage and antique cars and wagon on display!

The Shuttle Ride Down the Brandywine

From there, we hopped on the shuttle ride down to the powder yards. And let's be honest, this was one of my boys favorite parts! Who doesn't love a good shuttle ride? The ride along the Brandywine River gave us beautiful views of the water while the guide pointed out other important sites and shared stories about how important the river was. Its rushing water powered the mills that made DuPont’s black powder. So cool!

Explosions and Gunpowder Tales

The powder yards were full of fascinating stories. We learned that while DuPont’s black powder was prized for its quality, explosions were still a constant threat. Workers lived in nearby houses, and families often had to deal with the risks of living so close to the mills. My kids were amazed (and a little shocked) to hear about buildings blowing up. It really made us think about the courage it took to work here.

Seeing the giant mill equipment up close made these stories even more real. The rolling machine, with its massive wheels, once crushed ingredients to make gunpowder. Standing in that stone building, we could almost hear the rumble of the machinery and picture the workers carefully doing their jobs, always aware of the danger.

The Machine Shop

One of the most fascinating stops was the machine shop. This was where workers built and repaired the tools, gears, and parts that kept the mills running. The shop was powered by belts and pulleys connected to the river—an amazing example of early engineering.

Close by, if you time it right, you can witness a cannon firing demonstration and feel the boom! I loved it!

Why Hagley is Worth the Trip

By the end of the trip, we felt like we had traveled back in time. Between the mansion, the powder yards, the shuttle ride, the machine shop, and the stories of daily life, Hagley made history feel alive. The kids, who originally push back about going to a "museum" loved it! While imagining explosions and adventures, we learned about the innovation and perseverance that shaped America’s industrial past.

Hagley isn’t just a museum—it’s an experience. And one you don't want to miss. 5/5 stars! We’ll definitely be back!

Whose been there? What's your favorite part?