Picture of Port Penn Interpretive Center

Port Penn Interpretive Center


Attention Visitors

The Interpretive Center is Temporarily Closed for Repairs

Port Penn Interpretive Center

The Port Penn Interpretive Center is located in the village of Port Penn, about four miles south of Delaware City. The Center offers displays and programs which explain the folklife of the historic wetland communities along the shores of the Delaware. Programs and self-guided walking tours featuring the historic homes of Port Penn and the scenic marshlands surrounding the town are available.


Upcoming Events

Intro to Port Penn

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

6:30 PM

In the 1760s, Port Penn's founders hoped that it would become a seaport to rival Philadelphia. Though it never quite lived up to those aspirations, Port Penn is a remarkable community that managed to be both international and uniquely Delawarean. This program will be held via Microsoft Teams. It is free, but registration is required to get the sign-on link. Please register by emailing Jake at Jacob.miller@delaware.gov, or by calling 302-601-6382.

Add to Calendar 3/26/2024 6:30:00 PM 3/26/2024 7:30:00 PM America/New_York Intro to Port Penn In the 1760s, Port Penn's founders hoped that it would become a seaport to rival Philadelphia. Though it never quite lived up to those aspirations, Port Penn is a remarkable community that managed to be both international and uniquely Delawarean. This program will be held via Microsoft Teams. It is free, but registration is required to get the sign-on link. Please register by emailing Jake at Jacob.miller@delaware.gov, or by calling 302-601-6382. Port Penn

Sandpiper Stroll

Saturday, April 13, 2024

9:00 AM

Migration is starting to pick up speed! Come out and join us on a guided bird walk to see what a perfect layover spot the Port Penn wetlands are for migrating sandpipers. Our target sandpipers include Dunlins, Least sandpipers, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. We will meet at the Port Penn Interpretive Center. All ages and skill levels are welcome! This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program.

Add to Calendar 4/13/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/13/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Sandpiper Stroll Migration is starting to pick up speed! Come out and join us on a guided bird walk to see what a perfect layover spot the Port Penn wetlands are for migrating sandpipers. Our target sandpipers include Dunlins, Least sandpipers, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. We will meet at the Port Penn Interpretive Center. All ages and skill levels are welcome! This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program. Port Penn

Wetland Walk

Saturday, April 20, 2024

10:00 AM

Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that was so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. In celebration of Earth Day, we will also be talking about ways that you can help the wetlands. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during this program.

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/20/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Wetland Walk Many residents of Port Penn supplemented their income throughout the year with hunting, trapping, and fishing, all of which made use of the proximity of the wetland. For this program we will enjoy the wetland trail, talk about the wetland and its importance to Port Penn, and keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that makes Delaware so special. We will also talk about the elements of the seasonal economy that was so important to the residents of Port Penn throughout much of its history. In celebration of Earth Day, we will also be talking about ways that you can help the wetlands. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during this program. Port Penn

Warbler Walkabout

Saturday, May 11, 2024

9:00 AM

And so, the magic finally begins: the warblers are starting to arrive! The iconic bright-colored little songsters are popping up in Port Penn, so come join us as we search for Common Yellowthroats, Palm Warblers, and Pine Warblers. We will meet at the Port Penn Interpretive Center. All ages and skill levels are welcome! This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program.

Add to Calendar 5/11/2024 9:00:00 AM 5/11/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Warbler Walkabout And so, the magic finally begins: the warblers are starting to arrive! The iconic bright-colored little songsters are popping up in Port Penn, so come join us as we search for Common Yellowthroats, Palm Warblers, and Pine Warblers. We will meet at the Port Penn Interpretive Center. All ages and skill levels are welcome! This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program. Port Penn

Historic Town Tour

Saturday, May 25, 2024

10:00 AM

Port Penn is a fascinating town full of fascinating architecture! The town still retains much of its 18th and 19th century character. Join a park historian for this tour to learn about the interesting architectural features of the town, and the amazing people who make up its past. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program.

Add to Calendar 5/25/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/25/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Historic Town Tour Port Penn is a fascinating town full of fascinating architecture! The town still retains much of its 18th and 19th century character. Join a park historian for this tour to learn about the interesting architectural features of the town, and the amazing people who make up its past. This program is free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling our office at 302-834-7941. Note: The Interpretive Center will not be open during the program. Port Penn