Documenting Delaware's Past...
The Museum of Small Town Life
Click to Focus on...The Delaware State Museums in Dover
Imagine a leisurely stroll down main street in a small late 19th century Delaware town! The Museum of Small Town Life gives you the opportunity to experience just that. Housed in a former 1880 Presbyterian Sunday school, this museum honors that era in time.

The interior represents a late 19th century main street furnished with five different shops, marked with period store fronts that allows visitors to observe workways and lifestyles before the invention of electricity.


  • The print shop includes a working 1897 pearl printing press used to make maps, flyers and cards that are sold in the Delaware State Museum History Stores.
  • The woodworking shop encompasses a variety of woodworking trades such as carpenters, coopers, shingle makers, pump makers, and many of the tools these craftsmen utilized. 

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  • The pharmacy was compiled from more than seven different popular apothocaries that were in operation throughout Delaware. On display is a wide selection of patented remedies and elixirs, some of which are still popular today!
  • The general store gave new meaning to the term  "one stop shopping" because, indeed, most general stores carried just about every type of product available. This fun and educational exhibit boasts a large selection of period sale items.
  • The post office was one of the most important offices in a small town. Learn about the function of the post office before the days of rural delivery.
Museum of Small Town Life
316 S. Governors Avenue
Handicap accessible. Restrooms. Visitor parking lot off Bank Lane.
(302) 739-3261
For operating hours please call.
Free Admission

The Delaware State Museums in Dover
406 Federal Street
Dover, DE  19901
302-739-4266
www.destatemuseums.org