The John Dickinson Plantation provides an unmatched perspective into the complicated life of one of our founding fathers. John Dickinson wrote of “freedom and liberty” but like many during this time, his words did not include the very real bondage experienced by his own slaves.

At the Plantation, you will walk through the daily life of the man referred to as the “Penman of the Revolution” and his family, but will also walk the harder path of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children who lived, worked, and died on the plantation. This unique experience highlights the true cost of “freedom” and provides a human perspective on difficult issues.

A slave and tenant burial ground was discovered on the property in March 2021, and is being excavated and researched by the Department of State, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Read more.

In the summer of 2023, a trail connecting the plantation to St. Jones Reserve was laid out. It travels past the buffer zone of the African Burial Ground, and is also “allowing the division (Delaware HCA) to have additional areas for programs and interpretation, including the stories of those who were enslaved and the Indigenous people who utilized and cared for this land for thousands of years before the Dickinsons were here.” Learn more.

Hours:
Tuesdays: Outdoor visitation only. Grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Hours subject to change.

Tour Info:
Tours of the plantation utilize a technique known as character interpretation in which trained historic interpreters depict characters from John Dickinson’s era. Character-interpreted tours allow you to compare and contrast lifestyles of the wealthy Dickinson family with those of tenants, poor whites, slaves, and free blacks residing in Kent County during the 1700s and early 1800s.

Thursdays through Saturdays, tours of the mansion begin at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes in advance to watch the orientation film offered at the Visitor Center.

Logistics:
The museum is open to the public and admission is free. There is ample, free parking and accommodations for buses.

Getting Here:
Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901
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