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Office of the Governor
JOHN CARNEY

Hello Delaware students, it’s Governor John Carney. Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Delaware. Below you’ll find more information about Delaware’s history and symbols.

I’ve been in public service for almost 30 years. I now serve as the Governor of Delaware, and this has been my favorite job. I get to work on a lot of different issues, but my main goal is to make sure that all Delawareans—including you—have their voices heard. One thing I have really been focused on is making sure all Delaware children can read by third grade. Because before third grade, you learn to read, and after third grade, you read to learn.

Another important part of my job is working with Delaware’s State Senate and House of Representatives to write laws. Believe it or not, state government affects your life every day. And it’s made up of a lot of different people working together.

A lot of government work is done by state agencies. These are offices that focus on one specific topic. For example, the Delaware Department of Transportation helps keep our roads in good shape. And the Delaware Department of Education makes sure that students like you are learning in school.

The most important thing to know about the government is that it works best when we all participate and use it as a tool to make positive change.

I’m so glad that you are interested in how state government works, and I hope you will continue to learn more about Delaware!

 

Summer Matters Logo

Find Summer Learning Opportunities

We know summer should be fun. Our schools and camps across the state have built programs that allow students to get outside and enjoy the weather while receiving high-quality reading and math instruction.

Click the button below to find summer learning through local programs, libraries, and school districts. 

Learn more

Picture of five library cards that are multiple cards

Get a Free Library Card

Get a free library card with the help of a parent or guardian. 

When you sign up online you gain access right away to all eMedia! Download eBooks, read eMagazines, use online resources for FREE!

Want more? Contact your public library to transfer your online account to a full account, providing use of library computers and access to all materials, programs and services.

Sign up

 

 

“Small Fry Adventures” at Aquatic Resources Education Center

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages families with young children to enjoy exciting “Small Fry Adventures” this summer at the Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) near Smyrna. These free events are geared toward youngsters ages 4 to 7, who want to learn about fish and other aquatic critters that live in the tidal salt marsh. Kids will have a chance to view marine life in AREC’s aquariums, make a simple craft with an aquatic theme and participate in activities to learn about some of the aquatic life in Delaware.

Small Fry Adventures are scheduled for July 23, July 30 and Aug. 6 – all on Tuesdays.  Programs run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at AREC, a DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife facility at 2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Learn More 

Earth Month celebratory graphic of Planet Earth smiling outside on a sunny day.

 

Delaware Facts & History Infographic

Printable Delaware Facts & History Infographic

Delaware Facts & History

From the Delaware Historical Society

Learn more about Delaware’s history.

 

Shape of Delaware with a star representing where the State Capital is located.

State Capital:

Dover

Delaware declared its independence from Great Britain on June 15, 1776. It is known as the “First State” because on December 7, 1787 it became the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The State’s Capital is Dover. Delaware’s three counties are New Castle, Kent and Sussex. 

Icon of 3 people

Population:

1,018,386

Delaware’s population is 1,018,396

Football field on a slant

Delaware’s Size:

96 Miles Long and 39 miles at its widest

Delaware is 96 miles long and 39 miles at its widest. That’s about 1,690 football fields long and 680 football fields wide!

Name tag that says Hello My Name is Delaware

How did Delaware get its name?

In 1610 explorer Samuel Argall named the Delaware River and Bay for the governor of Virginia, Thomas West, Lord De La Warr. The state of Delaware takes its name from the river and bay. 

 

 

Delaware Symbols Infographic

Delaware Symbols

From the Government Information Center

Learn the origins and adoption of state symbols and facts.

View All State Facts and Symbols

Download the Coloring Sheet!

 

Delaware State Butterfly Tiger Swallowtail

State Butterfly:

Tiger Swallowtail

Adopted on June 10, 1999, the Tiger Swallowtail ( Pterourus glaucus ) was declared the State’s official butterfly. The tiger swallowtail, a large, yellow, black-striped butterfly, is indigenous to Delaware and can be seen in deciduous woods, along streams, rivers, and wooded swamps, and in towns and cities throughout Delaware. 

Delaware Tree American Holly

State Tree:

American Holly

Adopted May 1, 1939, the American Holly ( Ilex opaca Aiton ) is regarded as one of Delaware’s most important forest trees. Often called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and red berries. In Delaware, the tree can reach a maximum of 60 feet in height and a trunk diameter of 20 inches.

Delaware Fruit Strawberry

State Fruit:

Strawberry

Adopted May 13, 2010, the strawberry is an important product of Delaware’s agricultural industry. Delaware strawberries are bred for taste, not to be big or last a long time on a store shelf.

Graphic of the Delaware State Bird the Blue Hen

State Bird:

Blue Hen

Adopted on April 14, 1939, the Blue Hen chicken had long been used as a motif in numerous political campaigns and in many publications. During the Revolutionary War, the men of Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s company, recruited in Kent County, took with them game chickens that were said to be of the brood of a famous Blue Hen and were noted for their fighting ability. When not fighting the enemy, the officers and men amused themselves by pitting their Blue Hen chickens in cockfights.