The Nanticoke Indians Museum is located in Millsboro and was founded in 1984 out of an old two-room school building. This museum is the state of Delaware’s only Native American museum. It is also one of only 13 Native American sites that have been listed as National Historic Landmarks by the Federal Government.
The museum was established to house artifacts from the Nanticoke Indian community together with items from other tribes. These items have either been passed down within the community or donated to the museum. There are currently thousands of items displayed at the Nanticoke Indian Museum, including pottery, arrowheads, ax hammers, artwork, traditional clothing, and taxidermy animals.
Visitors to the museum can see and learn a lot about the history and culture of the Nanticoke tribe. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can shed light on the way of life of the Eastern Shore tribe. Visitors are also welcome to browse the museum displays on their own.
In the first room of the museum, there is a traditional village setup so that visitors can see how people lived in times past. Included in this exhibition are many artifacts and tools used by the Elders. The Native Indian artwork on display in this room is only a must-see.
The second room of the museum showcases traditional clothing worn and a display of some of the types of animals where the hides and fur came from. Visitors also get to see ancient artifacts from as far back as 8000 B.C. Also on display is a wooden canoe to show how the male tribe members went out fishing.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is open for group tours and visited by school groups as well. Visitors can also pick up some memorabilia and Nanticoke crafts from the gift store on site. The museum is located close to the venue for the Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow held around September each year. This is a grand traditional festival and celebration, featuring music, native dances, processions, and traditional food. Artwork, crafts, and artifacts will also be on sale.
15 min (7.8 miles)
via DE-24 E
Fastest route, lighter traffic than usual
Backyard Works Inc
30505 Dupont Blvd, Millsboro, DE 19966
Continue to State Rd 20
21 s (197 ft)
Take DE-24 E to DE-5
13 min (7.7 mi)
Continue on DE-5 to your destination
13 s (236 ft)
Nanticoke Indian Museum
26673 John J Williams Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966