History Matters

Each June, Delawareans celebrate Separation Day - the day the First State stopped being part of Pennsylvania and became its own entity.This year's Separation Day celebrations have added significance, occurring in the leadup to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.In this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny learned more about how the state is marking Separation Day and the nation's 250th birthday from two people closely involved with planning the events, beginning with Erik Raser-Schramm, director of Delaware 250 and then Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Historic Sites Team director Daniel Citron.

National Train Day was last Saturday - May 9th. To mark the occasion, the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association unveiled its newest arrival- an early 1900s steam engine.And Delaware Public Media’s Isreal Hale was on hand for that event for this edition of History Matters.

It’s that time of year again – the time for hayrides, pumpkin patches, and pumpkin carving. But among the pumpkin frenzy, not much thought is typically…

Many people are likely aware of Airbnb: providing travelers the option to rent a room in someone else’s home – or guesthouse – as opposed to staying in a…

The New Castle Court House Museum is kicking off a brand new exhibit Saturday. It’s called “New Castle: Three Forts, One Community.”The program focuses on…

A number of historic buildings – from the Thomas England House, to Summerton Mansion in Middletown – have been demolished in recent months. Historic…

Last week, History Matters - produced in collaboration with the Delaware Historical Society - looked at the legacy of Wilmington’s renowned jazz teacher…

Wilmington’s Clifford Brown Jazz Festival returns next week, starting up Wednesday and running through Friday. And while Clifford Brown is Wilmington’s…

Summer is the time many families hit the road - heading to the beach and elsewhere. But many vacation destinations like Rehoboth Beach weren’t always a…

March’s History Matters featured an image of Estella’s Beauty Shop on Wilmington's East Side from 1939. Here in April, we focus on the man behind that…