Delaware
Historic School House Opens at Bellevue State Park – State of Delaware News
The Mount Pleasant School House at Bellevue State Park was one of the first public schools in Delaware. Photo by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Part of New Investments in the Park
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control held a ribbon cutting for the historic Mount Pleasant School House at Bellevue State Park, one of the first public schools in the state of Delaware. It is one of several major projects completed in the last six years.
The Mount Pleasant School House was built under the Free School Act of 1829, which divided each county into many school districts and provided funding to build a school house in each district. The one-room school house, designated as School District No. 2, was a common school where children of all ages learned reading, writing, arithmetic and English grammar together, led by a single teacher. It was used for nearly 35 years from 1830 to 1864, primarily serving the children of the local farming community. Today, Mount Pleasant Elementary School and Mount Pleasant High School are schools that descended from the original school house and are part of the Brandywine School District.
“Our state history matters, and I believe it is our duty as Delawareans to preserve what we can so that each generation that comes after us can not only access educational materials, but see these landmarks for themselves,” said Rep. Debra Heffernan of District 6, who serves as chair of the Joint Capital Improvement Committee.
“The Free School Act of 1829 was not perfect, but it began the process of ensuring that every Delaware child has access to quality education, no matter their background. The Mount Pleasant School House is a physical representation of the progress we have made in our state: from a small schoolhouse for the local farming community led by a single teacher, to two spectacular schools that serve students from all walks of life. I am grateful to have played a role in making sure that this piece of history is accessible to everyone in our community.”
After the original school house fell into disrepair in 1857, Hanson Robinson, a Philadelphia wool merchant and an advocate for racial and gender equality who lived at neighboring Woolton Hall, offered to build a new, larger school on the other side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in exchange for the original school and land. The original school property was later used as a guest house and sold to several new owners. In 1893, it was purchased by William du Pont, Sr. and renamed the Bellevue Estate. The school house continued to be used as a guest house or employee housing, most notably by the estate’s lead racehorse trainer.
Bellevue opened as a state park in 1977, and the school house has been used as a park office, holiday venue and gift shop before it sat empty and unused for nearly three decades. Initial restoration began in 2019-2020 thanks to funding advocated for by the Friends of Bellevue State Park in 2020. A thorough preservation plan was created in 2022 for total exterior and interior renovations. It will now serve as an interpretive center for programming to recount the rich history of Bellevue and its community.
“As one of the historical sites in Delaware State Parks, it is critical to invest in its preservation to help educate residents about important landmarks in Delaware history,” said Matt Ritter, director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. “We couldn’t have done this project without the dedicated support of the Friends of Bellevue State Park. With more than 390 historic structures in the system, we are continually updating and improving our amenities for future generations to enjoy.”
In addition to the restoration of the school house, more than $5.2 million in capital improvements have been invested in Bellevue over the last six years. Among the improvements are:
• a new roof for the Figure 8 barn, a facility used for events and programming
• parking lot improvements for the Tennis Center and pavilion
• a paved pathway linking the Bellevue Mansion to the Figure 8 Barn and Tennis Center
• upgrades to the track, with a new surface and drainage enhancements
Bellevue State Park offers lots of other activities, such as a fishing pond, a concert bandshell, stables, trails, disc golf and cross county trails. For more information on Bellevue and its programs, visit the destateparks.com/park/bellevue-state-park webpage.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.
Celebrating A Milestone Year
Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina — together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come.
Media contact: Beth Kuhles-Heiney, elizabeth.kuhlesheiney@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
Delaware
Delaware on Main Street Program Grows as 17 Communities Earn National Designations – State of Delaware News
DOVER, Del. – On Monday, the Delaware on Main Street (DOMS) Program, operating within the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB), presented certificates of accreditation or affiliation to 17 downtown organizations on behalf of Main Street America.
The recognition reflects continued growth in the Delaware on Main Street Program, with two new organizations joining the network between July 2025 and January 2026 and two communities advancing to Main Street America’s highest designation level. Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs, up from four in 2025, representing a 50% increase in communities earning Main Street America’s top designation.
“I’m incredibly excited to see the growth of this program and so proud of the dedication, passion, and effort that each of these Main Street programs put into economic development and revitalization of their downtown areas,” said Delaware on Main Street Coordinator Anastasia Jackson. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve.”
The impact of Delaware’s Main Street programs extends far beyond recognition. In 2025, eleven Delaware on Main Street programs generated more than $306.8 million in local reinvestment, facilitated the creation of 421 full-time and 108 part-time jobs, and helped open 104 new businesses. They also completed 38 rehabilitation projects, 85 public improvement projects, and eight new construction projects. Volunteers contributed more than 29,293 hours to support downtown revitalization efforts.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce a list of designated programs that have committed to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns through the Main Street Approach™.
These designations serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement. Main Street America’s 46-year track record of economic success and community building has created a lasting impact in communities across the country.
Certificates were presented during the quarterly Main Street meeting held at Middletown Town Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The four programs receiving renewed accreditation are Downtown Wilmington Visions, Downtown Dover Partnership, Downtown Milford, Inc., and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. The two programs earning accreditation status for the first time are Cornerstone West CDC in Wilmington and Middletown Main Street.
To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach™ and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
The remaining 11 downtown programs receiving Affiliate status are City of Harrington, City of Seaford, Clayton Main Street, Delaware City, Main Street Laurel, Millsboro Downtown Partnership, Milton Main Street, The Newark Partnership, Town of Elsmere, Smyrna Main Street, and Town of Georgetown.
To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
According to Main Street America, for every dollar invested in the operation of a Main Street program, an average of $21.73 is reinvested into its downtown and commercial corridor communities.
Together, Delaware’s accredited and affiliate Main Street programs are helping strengthen local economies, support small businesses, preserve historic downtowns, and create vibrant places where residents and visitors want to live, work, and spend time.
To learn more about the Delaware on Main Street Program, visit de.gov/demainst.
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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity
Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6840; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov
Rutgers men’s basketball has added some more local flair to its 2026-2027 non-conference schedule, as the Scarlet Knights have added St. Peter’s and Delaware State to their non-conference slate, according to Craig Epstein of The Knight Report.
Both games are set to be home games for Rutgers, as they will host St. Peter’s on December 13 and Delaware State on December 29. The Knights’ game against the Hornets comes exactly one full calendar year since Rutgers beat them 65-50 to end last year’s non-conference slate.
The last time Rutgers played St. Peter’s was in 2024 when they bested the Peacocks 75-65. Last season, St. Peter’s was one of the best teams in the MAAC, sporting a 17-12 record and finishing second in conference standings. The Peacocks’ only power conference opponent last season was Seton Hall. The Pirates pulled off a 77-50 victory in that game.
Delaware State, on the other hand, did not have a good season last year. They finished the season with a record of 8-23 and last place in the MEAC. They did play another power conference opponent last season, Syracuse, whom they lost to by 40 points.
With the addition of the Peacocks and the Hornets, Rutgers has a well-rounded non-conference Schedule in terms of competition. Rutgers is slated to have games against Bryant, Army, NJIT, Syracuse, and Seton Hall in addition to Delaware State and St. Peter’s. They are also set to compete in the Players Era Tournament, where they will take on Houston, Notre Dame, and another opponent from the eight-team field.
Date Posted: Monday, June 29th, 2026
The Delaware State Police is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday evening in Newark.
On June 27, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., troopers responded to a local hospital for a report of two individuals who arrived with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The Criminal Investigations Unit responded and took over the case.
Through investigative efforts, detectives determined the shooting may have occurred on Otts Chapel Road near Elkton Road in Newark. Detectives responded to the location and located multiple spent shell casings.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information relevant to the case to contact Detective J. Lucyk at (302) 365-8446. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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