Nanticoke Indian Museum

Small Tribal Museum Run By The Nanticoke Indian Association In A Former Nanticoke Indian Schoolhouse Near Oak Orchard, The Only Museum In Delaware Devoted To A Native American People · Millsboro, Delaware

The Nanticoke Indian Museum is a small museum on Route 24 near Oak Orchard, east of Millsboro, run by the Nanticoke Indian Association in a former Nanticoke Indian schoolhouse. It is the only museum in Delaware devoted to a Native American people, and it tells the story of the Nanticoke, whose families have lived along the Indian River and the rivers of the Delmarva Peninsula for generations, through the colonial era, the pressures that pushed many away, and the community that stayed and kept its identity. The collection is modest in size but personal: cases hold thousands of arrowheads and spear points, pottery, stone axe heads and other handmade objects, many passed down from elders or donated by local families, along with photographs, records, clothing and craftwork that document the community in the 20th century. Visits usually take less than an hour, and the museum keeps short hours on a few days each week. The Nanticoke Indian Powwow, held on nearby tribal grounds each September, is the other way to meet the community. This is a living people, not a closed chapter of history.

John J. Williams Highway (Route 24), Millsboro, Delaware, 19966, United States

As of late September 2026 the museum has been open Thursday to Sunday only, roughly late morning to mid-afternoon - about 10 to 3 Thursday to Saturday and about noon to 3 on Sunday - and CLOSED MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY. Hours can change through the year, around holidays and in winter, and a small volunteer-supported museum may close unexpectedly for tribal events, weather or staffing, so confirm by phone before you drive. Group and school tours are scheduled by phone in advance and may be possible outside public hours by arrangement. A modest admission is charged; confirm the amount and whether cards are taken. The annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow takes place on tribal grounds nearby, usually in September; on powwow weekend the museum's schedule may differ, so check the dates and hours before combining the two. Arrive well before closing: the last entries come early in a short afternoon.

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