DelawareScene: Delaware Community Preservation Lab @ Delaware Historical Society

Delaware Community Preservation Lab

Free Community Digitization Event

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Delaware Historical Society is celebrating what makes Delaware unique: its people, their stories, and the items they hold dear. While traditional archives often focus on famous figures or official records, we believe the most meaningful history is being created every day within Delaware’s communities. That’s why we’re launching the Delaware Community Preservation Lab (DCPL), an interactive program that brings preservation tools and knowledge directly into communities across the state.

The DCPL will bring together Delaware Historical Society staff, local preservation specialists, photographers, videographers, and digital experts to share simple, practical tips for preserving family and community histories. Our goal is to make preservation easy and accessible, so visitors can replicate these techniques on their own without complicated software or expensive equipment.

Each three-hour event features interactive stations where participants can:

Consult with community preservation specialists about the condition of the items they bring.

Learn tips for organizing and safely storing ceramics, metals, textiles, and other items.

Access basic rehousing materials (for free!) and receive additional guidance on storing and caring for individual items.

Receive assistance in digitizing flat objects such as photos, letters, or other paper documents with our suite of scanners

Discover how to effectively record and preserve photographs or short videos about objects and stories that matter most

Chat with collections care staff at Delaware Historical Society and learn about our community programs, resources, and collections

Participants who schedule an appointment at one of our digitization booths will receive a USB drive with their newly digitized files, along with easy-to-follow preservation guides created by Delaware Historical Society collections care staff to help them continue their preservation efforts at home or in their churches and community organizations.

Visitors can also stop by our Build-Your-Own Preservation Kit Station to customize a kit with archival-quality materials like acid-free tissue paper, folders, Mylar sleeves, and more, ensuring their items are well-protected for the long term.

We will provide expertise and all necessary equipment for the event.

Free event, registration required. Register here.

Questions? Check out the FAQ page.

Free History & Culture Lectures & Workshops Northern Delaware