Smyrna Museum - Smyrna, Delaware

 

Smyrna Museum - Smyrna, Delaware

This stately old building was originally built in the circa 1800.  Originally called the “Barracks”, it housed soldiers during the War of 1812.   The Civil War needed troops for the Union and this building was used as an enrollment center.  On August 1, 1893 the state’s first Civil War draft lottery drawing was held on the front porch of the “Barracks.”

The building exhibits several different style elements, such as a belt course (which reflects an early nineteenth century decorative treatment) and bracketed eaves (suggesting a late nineteenth century remodeling.) One of the original “Irishtown” worker’s dwellings is located behind the museum so when visiting the museum you can stroll around back and see this too. This building is a mid-1700’s Plank House.

The building was once owned by a local druggist from 1859 – 1905.  While he owned it he did some renovations to expand it to include a store for his place of business.

It currently holds an eclectic mix of local artifacts displayed in the former military barracks building.  There are toys, dolls, Native American artifacts, historical paintings and more than 400 pitchers for you to see.

Location: 11 South Main Street, Smyrna, Delaware

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10 – 1.

Admission: Free

It’s a small museum so it won’t take you long to visit it, but with the things there you will enjoy learning a little more about the history of the area.

Phone: 302-653-1320