WELCOME TO HAGLEY MUSEUM AND LIBRARY!
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company, founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone remnants of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the original ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family in America. Here, for more than two hundred years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American dream.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
• Enjoy a fascinating history of the Brandywine Valley and the various industries that made it an industrial powerhouse of the nineteenth century. Learn about the du Pont family, starting with their journey to America and continuing through the beginning of the DuPont company.
• Marvel at massive historic stone structures that housed the powder manufacturing process, working nineteenth-century machinery, a waterwheel, and turbines powered by the river.
• Enjoy live demonstrations of a roll mill with two eight-ton roll wheels, a working nineteenth-century machine shop, a coal-fired steam engine, and the blast of gunpowder testing.
• See and hear water power in action as the Brandywine River rushes through sluice gates and turbines, providing power to the Birkenhead waterwheel, machine shop, and roll mill.
• Visit the Georgian-style Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont home in America, that was center of family and business life for nearly a century. It is filled with furnishings and collections of American folk art and treasured du Pont family pieces. Hear fascinating stories of the du Pont family’s history and daily life.
• Experience the beautiful E. I. du Pont garden, a wonder to explore in any season.
• Discover life in a restored workers' community. See how they lived, learned their lessons in a one-room schoolhouse, and grew the garden that sustained them.
HOURS
Hagley is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. mid-March through early November and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. early November through mid-March.
Closed Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday of November)
Closed Christmas Day (December 25).
Open Christmas Eve Day (December 24) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CONVENIENCES
• Free parking
• Free transportation to interpretive areas
• Hagley offers a variety of prepackaged foods from Jamestown Catering, including wraps and salads, in our Visitor’s Center. We ask that you refrain from eating and drinking in the exhibition spaces.
• The Hagley Museum Store sells unique decorative items, fascinating reading materials, Hagley-branded note cards and memorabilia, toys and games, clothing, jewelry, and much more.
• Visitor Center staff will answer your questions and help you enjoy your visit.
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
Periodically, Hagley Museum and Library takes photographs and video of visitors and activities for use in promotional and editorial material.
With admission into the museum or library, you give permission to Hagley for the recording of photographs and/or video of yourself and your dependents. You grant Hagley all rights to use these still or moving images for educational, promotional, advertising, and other purposes which advance the overall mission of Hagley Museum and Library. All rights to the photographs and video belong to Hagley Museum and Library.
If you do not consent to this policy, please notify the photographer prior to any filming or photography.
Visitors are permitted to take photos at Hagley, limited to handheld devices only. No tripods or other professional equipment permitted. Photo requests or setups that could interfere with another visitor’s experience are not permitted. Bridal photos in front of the residence are reserved for those having their weddings at Hagley. Contact Hagley’s Marketing Department for taking photos or videos for commercial purposes.
Photographs taken at Hagley may not be sold to Stock Photography websites or services.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Hagley have wheelchairs available?
Yes, wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. They are available in the Visitor Center. Ask a member of our Visitor Services team for assistance when you arrive. We regret that wheelchairs may not be reserved in advance.
Can Hagley accommodate guests with mobility challenges?
Hagley is largely an outdoor experience with uneven terrain. Choosing weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes will contribute to a great experience.
Most of Hagley’s buildings are accessible for persons with disabilities but not all historic structures can accommodate wheelchairs. A bus that accommodates wheelchairs makes regular runs throughout the property and wheelchairs are available in the Visitor Center.
Does Hagley rent strollers?
No, Hagley does not rent strollers. Strollers are permitted in most areas with the exception of Eleutherian Mills, the First Office, and the Gibbons House.
Can Hagley be enjoyed in inclement weather?
Hagley has a large property to explore, and there are buses that take people to the various exhibitions and demonstrations, most of which are indoors. It is recommended that you dress for the weather. It is still possible to enjoy Hagley on a rainy day. Umbrellas are available in the Visitor Center; please ask a member of the Visitor Services team to borrow one during your visit.
In case of severe weather, adjustments may be made in the interest of safety. Hagley’s web page will have the most up-to-date information regarding closings or changed opening times.
Is there a cash machine at Hagley?
No, there is no cash machine at Hagley. The Visitor Center and Museum Store accept credit and debit cards.
Does admission include the house tour?
Yes, the guided tour of the Eleutherian Mills residence is included in the general admission price. Sometimes, these tours require a timed ticket, which will be arranged by the Visitor Services team upon your arrival.
Where should I park?
Hagley provides free parking at the Visitor Center. A free shuttle provides transportation to interpretive areas.
Can I bring my own picnic?
Yes, picnics are allowed on Hagley grounds.
There are picnic tables available for visitor use located in the powder yards, Workers’ Hill, and adjacent to the Visitor Center parking area.
Does Hagley have a museum store?
Yes, the museum store is located next to the Visitor Center and is open daily from 10 a.m. until 15 minutes after the museum closes. Stop in to browse a carefully curated selection of unique merchandise reflective of the grounds and history of Hagley.
Does Hagley offer guided tours?
Tours and demonstrations are guided. You may also explore areas of the property with self-guided tour materials available in the Visitor Center.
Can I take photos and video at Hagley?
Feel free to take pictures and video anywhere at Hagley. Use of a tripod is permitted outside of buildings as long as it does not block the pathway of other visitors. Images taken may not be used for commercial purposes without written consent from Hagley.
Use of tripods and selfie sticks is not permitted inside any Hagley buildings.
Professional photography in front of the du Pont family home is reserved for Hagley brides.
Drone photography is not permitted at Hagley.
Can visitors access the Internet at Hagley?
Yes. The museum has free guest wireless internet access in the Visitor Center. The signal may be weaker in some areas than others. If necessary, ask a member of our Visitor Services team for assistance upon arrival.
Can I smoke at Hagley?
No, Hagley Museum and Library is a smoke-free facility.
Can I bring my pet to Hagley?
Pets are not permitted at Hagley, nor are there provisions to temporarily house them during a visit. Please do not leave pets in your car in the parking lot during warm weather since shade is minimal. Properly identified service animals are permitted everywhere at Hagley.
During Summer Nights at Hagley on Wednesdays in June, July, and August, Hagley allows guests to bring their leashed canine companions. Please note that these events tend to be crowded, so it is important that your dog is comfortable being around other dogs and small children.
Does Hagley have gift cards available?
Hagley has gift cards for admission or memberships available for purchase in the Museum Store. Please see a member of the Visitor Services team for assistance.
I lost an item at Hagley, what should I do?
All lost and found items are collected at the Visitor Center. While at Hagley, please visit the supervisor desk in the Visitor Center to report or claim a lost item. From outside the museum, call (302) 658-2400 ext. 261 to determine if your item has been found.
Does Hagley offer group tours?
Yes, group tours are available for groups of 15 people or more year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorcoach parking is available as well as shopping, dining, and customized experiences. Group Tours must be arranged in advance. Contact Bonnie Wirth, Group Tour Manager, at bwirth@hagley.org, (302) 658-2400, ext. 259. To see Hagley’s Group Tour options, visit https://www.hagley.org/grouptours
DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND GPS ADDRESS
From the south: Take I-95 north to exit 5B (Newport exit) in Delaware. Follow Route 141 north for 7 miles. After crossing Route 100, watch for Hagley's main entrance on the left.
From the north: Take I-95 south to exit 8B (Concord Pike/Wilmington) in Delaware. Follow signs to Route 141 South. After turning onto Route 141 south, follow Route 141 south for approximately 2.4 miles. After crossing the bridge, watch for Hagley’s main entrance on the right.
From West Chester area: Take Route 52 south and continue into Delaware. Take the exit (left turn) onto Route 100 north. Make a right onto Route 141, and the entrance will be on your left.
From the New Jersey Turnpike: Take the New Jersey Turnpike South to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. After crossing the bridge, follow signs to Route 141. Follow Route 141 North for 7 miles. After crossing Route 100, watch for Hagley's main entrance on the left.
From Route 202 area: Take Route 202 south to Route 141 south. Shortly after crossing the bridge, watch for Hagley's main entrance on the right.
GPS Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
• Longwood Gardens - 11 miles (17.7 kilometers)
• Nemours - 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)
• Winterthur - 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)
• Delaware Art Museum - 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)
• Brandywine River Museum of Art - 8 miles (12.8 kilometers)
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
• Concord Mall - 5 miles (8 kilometers)
• Christiana Mall - 11 miles (17.7 kilometers)
NEARBY AIRPORTS
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Hagley.
The Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is 82 miles (132 kilometers) from Hagley.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS
The Inn at Montchanin Village - 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers)
www.montchanin.com - +1 302-888-2133
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley - 1.9 miles (3.2 kilometers)
www.bestwestern.com - +1 302-656-9436
Hotel du Pont - 2.5 (4 kilometers)
www.hoteldupont.com - +1 302-594–3100
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown - 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometers)
www.sheratonsuiteswilmington.com - +1 302-654-8300
Hilton Wilmington/Christiana - 9.4 miles (15.1 kilometers)
www.hiltonchristiana.com - +1 877-696-8671
GROUP TOUR INFORMATION
• Group Tours are available year-round beginning at 9:30 a.m. Hagley is closed the fourth Thursday of November for Thanksgiving and on December 25 for Christmas.
• On-site motorcoach parking is free.
• Shopping, dining, and customized experiences are available.
• Groups receive two complimentary admissions with fifteen paying passengers.
• Group Tours are offered Operator Rates.
• Multiple school/student tour options are available.