Delaware may be the second smallest state in the United States, but it has a BIG, rich history that can tell us much about the history of early America.
David Young, the Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society, joins us to explore the early American history of Delaware from its Native American inhabitants through its emergence as the first state in the United States.
About the Show
Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.
It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.
Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.
Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.
Episode Summary
David Young, the Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society, joins us to explore the early American history of Delaware from its Native American inhabitants through its emergence as the first state in the United States.
As we make our way through this rich past, David reveals the work of the Delaware Historical Society and its public historians; Details about the Native American peoples of Delaware and their first encounters with Europeans; And, how and why Delaware developed dual identities as both a northern and southern colony and state.
What You’ll Discover
- The practice of public history
- Work of public historians
- Delaware Historical Society
- Native American history of Delaware
- When Native Americans began encountering Europeans in Delaware
- Dutch and Swedish settlements in the Delaware Valley
- New Sweden
- Reasons for Swedish colonization
- Lenape and Nanticoke ideas about European colonists
- The impact of the English conquest of New Netherland on Delaware
- Delaware as part of Maryland and Pennsylvania
- Colonial identity of Delaware
- Slavery in Delaware
- Delaware as the First State
- Delaware’s greatest contributions to United States history
Links to People, Places, and Publications
- David Young
- Delaware Historical Society
- Delaware Historical Society on Twitter: @thisisdehistory
- Battle of Germantown Reenactment
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Maryland Historical Society
- Wilmington, Delaware Old Town Hall
- Read House & Gardens
- Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
- The Kalmar Nyckel
- The Read House and Gardens on Instagram:@readhouseandgardens
- Delaware Historical Society, The Vault on Instagram: @delawarehistoryvault
Sponsor Links
Complementary Episodes
- Episode 059: Eric Foner, The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad
- Episode 121: Wim Klooster, The Dutch Moment in the 17th-Century Atlantic World
- Episode 138: Patrick Spero, Frontier Politics in Early America
- Episode 177: Martin Brückner, The Social Life of Maps in America
- Episode 217: Jessica Millward, Slavery & Freedom in Early Maryland
- Episode 234: Richard Bushman, Farms & Farm Families in Early America
Time Warp Question
In your opinion, what might have happened if Delaware had remained part of Maryland or Pennsylvania? How might the history of early America be different?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion?
Get in Touch! Send me an e-mail, tweet, or leave a comment.
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