Let Me Be Blunt: Special Edition ~ America 250

Dear Friends, Family and Fellow Delawareans, Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, this is a chance to reflect on the journey and recommit to our shared ideals and future. Our founders created something special with the American experiment where the power resides with WE the People. It is not lost on me that in 1776, I would not have been able to serve as your senator or even vote. Today, I feel progress daily while being mindful of our quest for “a more perfect union.” As the first state, Delaware holds a central role in our country’s founding – the American story truly starts here! This week, I’ve been traveling through towns and communities to commemorate Delaware’s contributions to the country over the last 250 years and beyond (for those native to this land it’s been thousands of years). We, Delawareans are truly amazing, and this was a perfect opportunity to highlight our history, talents, challenges, resilience, pain, joys and legacy. There’s a lot here and more to come, so take your time reading. I hope you’re as inspired — and motivated — as I have been…here’s to 250 more years! Keep reading to see what I’ve been up to and head to my social media pages to see my latest videos, interviews, and tour updates. You can also check out my recap HERE ! The First Town in the First State It wouldn’t be a tour of our state and country’s history without visiting Delaware’s official first town, Lewes! While there, I stopped by the Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Historical Society. The town was settled by the Dutch in 1631 and the museum is named in honor of the first European Colony in the state. With the museum’s lead interpreter, Mark Wilson, we explored exhibits on our founding and our future. They currently have an exhibit celebrating our Shared Truths, which highlights how “we witness, shape and record history.” With the Lewes Historical Society, we stepped back in time on their historical campus boasting a fully operating tavern and coffee shop. You not only experience history, you can taste it! I was joined by Ryan Schwartz, Director of Interpretation, and the legendary Bill Collick, former DSU Football Coach and Trustee of the Lewes Historical Society. “It is a time to reflect on our nation’s history, but also to celebrate all the good that this country has done and all that we have endured so far.” Devon Filicicchia, Zwaanendael Museum “The United States of America only exists because the people that live here believe it exists. I’m intrigued to see what subsequent generations do with that promise that started 250 years ago.” Ryan Schwartz, Lewes Historical Society The City Where It Happens As our capital city, Dover is where it all happens! It doesn’t just hold our state’s history, but it’s home to critical moments from our nation’s founding. I visited the Old State House in Dover, which was built between 1787 and 1791 and served as our state capitol until 1933. Dover was a place where issues of slavery, war, and women’s suffrage were hotly debated. Gavin Malone, Museum Supervisor, showcased the history within these walls. He even shared that the Declaration of Independence was read right here in July 1776! “America 250 means we have tried to aspire to the ideas of the founders. We haven’t always gotten there but we’re always progressing.” Gavin Malone, Old State House I also visited the Historic Golden Fleece Tavern. Previously a women-owned hat shop, this site hosted critical meetings during the Revolutionary War and was a center for wartime communications. At one time, the tavern also served as a meeting place for Delaware’s Legislative Council and hosted the convention that unanimously ratified the U.S. Constitution, which is where Delaware became the First State! “History is everything” Taylor Collins, Golden Fleece Tavern Origin Stories On a detour, we found the Wedge – where Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland met and was the subject of huge land dispute (about 800 acres). Ultimately, in 1921 through an act of Congress, Delaware formally prevailed. Was this the first political “wedge” issue?! To sustain us, we had lunch at Cantwell’s Tavern in what is now the town of Odessa. At one point, this site was a critical gathering place for merchants, ship captains, and visitors in this port town. Today it preserves our history and offers a peak into our past for current patrons. And in the city of Wilmington, where the Swedish settled, we visited the Old Swedes Historic Site and Church – the oldest church in Delaware. It has welcomed worshippers for over three centuries and hosts a historic burial ground where 44 Revolutionary War Veterans were laid to rest.  Today, in recognition of our diversity and our path forward, we discussed Belonging, Becoming and Building! To cap off a scorching day, we boarded the Kalmar Nyckel — a full-scale replica of the ship Swedish settlers arrived on at Fort Christina, today’s Wilmington. Thank you to Toni Spille for a great visit at Old Swedes Church. It was great to join Captain Lauren Morgens aboard the Kalmar Nyckel! Historic Moments Delaware has clear ties to our nation’s founding, but there were pieces of history that stuck out for me. I sat down with Jim Blackwell, curator of the Seaford Historical Museum to learn about the “Gateway to Freedom: The Tilly Escape” in Seaford. There is a plaque that marks where the great conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, led a harrowing rescue of an enslaved woman named Tilly across the Chesapeake to her freedom. This little-known moment that occurred right here is a reminder that even in the darkest parts of our history, there are bright lights of hope. Learn more about the history of the Tilly Escape HERE . Additionally, I stopped by Cooch’s Bridge – the site of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War battle on land and where the Continental Army fought back against the British troops. Legend has it, this was the first battle where the original American flag was flown. Thank you to Melissa Fitzgerald, Site Manager, for walking me through these historic grounds. “America’s 250th anniversary is a great reminder of perseverance.” Melissa Fitzgerald, Cooch’s Bridge The First People of the First State We cannot commemorate our founding without acknowledging Delaware’s first peoples. I visited the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, which was formerly the Harmon Colored School. I was honored to re-connect with Assistant Chief Farrah Norwood-Stigall to learn about the traditional life of the “Tidewater People” and their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture and become federally recognized. From Sussex we traveled to Kent for a conversation with Principal Chief Dennis J. “White Otter” Coker and leaders of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware for a critical conversation. The Chief reminded us that while we celebrate 250 years, they have been on this land for thousands. They serve our state in many ways today and this year released a documentary, but one of their goals for the future is to create a space where their culture can be preserved and shared. “I’m proud of what we have become and proud of where we are going.” Assistant Chief Farrah, Nanticoke Indian Museum Both Assistant Chief Farrah and Chief Coker shared critical perspectives on what this anniversary means to their communities. Our history has and continues to be complex, complicated, and painful, but I am grateful to learn from them in this moment and honor the diverse communities that make our people strong. “This history is not a pretty story. We’ve overcome with drive and determination.” Chief Coker,  Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware Made in Delaware Our state’s rich manufacturing history has contributed to a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that helps our economy prosper. It was great to connect with the teams at Baltimore Air Coil (an employee-owned company) in Milford and Miller Metal Fabrications in Bridgeville to see the modern reach of our manufacturing industry and learn how they’re continuing to strengthen Delaware’s workforce and economy. Delaware’s legacy of manufacturing lives on. Deep Roots As we all know, Delaware is urban, suburban, coastal, and rural—and we have a lively agriculture industry. An important stop on our tour was Delaware’s Agriculture Museum where Sara Busker, Museum Director, walked us through time. An interesting tidbit you might not know is while we have more chickens than people in our state, the industry began as a “shipping error”. Ocean View resident, Cecile Long Steele apparently ordered 50 chickens for egg-laying but received 500 and the poultry industry was born! “It’s remembering where we’ve been and thinking about where we can go and all that comes with that. The decisions we make are the decisions that affect who come after us.” Sara Busker, Delaware Agriculture Museum Another Ag Fact: Did you know that Delaware was the original “Peach State”? The Bennetts are a seventh-generation farming family that has been working the same land since the 1800s. Their farming roots in Sussex County are older than our nation’s founding! At Bennett Orchards in Frankford (where you can pick your own peaches and blueberries) we discussed the pride and challenges farmers face today ranging from climate change to immigration. During my visit Henry Bennet shared that “food security is domestic security,” which was an important reminder of just how critical our agricultural industry is. Check out a part of our conversation HERE . “As much food as we can produce here domestically helps our state out, helps our nation out – At the end of the day, food security is domestic security.” Henry Bennett, Bennett Orchards A Legacy of Service As the home of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware has a strong relationship with our Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Preserving history is important to them as well. John Taylor, Director of the Air Mobility Command Museum Delaware — the only institution dedicated to air lift and air refueling history — is passionate about that mission. Folks from around the world visit the museum to remember and young people attend their camp to learn. In John’s words, “Our mission is for the American public to explore their Air Force by gaining insight into their history.” The Next Frontier: 250 in Space Did you know that the first NASA space suits for walking on the moon were designed right here in Delaware by ILC Dover? It wouldn’t be an America 250 tour without highlighting our history and future in space. Moonprint Solutions is taking those next steps to ‘infinity and beyond” right here in Dover. From providing products for the most recent Artemis mission to future exploration on the Moon and Mars, they make us proud! “Americans have done amazing things with technology to help the human race.” Dave Cadogan, Moonprint Solutions Learning Our Story My travels through the state served as an important reminder of how critical it is that we invest in the spaces that help us learn our history. I was honored to visit the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, Delaware’s first free public library. Other libraries of the era were only open to subscription paying members or men. Made possible by the contributions of Dr. James Corbit and Leslie Calloway, today the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library expands literary access and serves as a community hub for Delawareans of all ages and backgrounds. “America 250 is remembering where we came from and changing with it for the better.” Katryna Cera-Proulx, Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library Delaware’s Future While insightful reflecting on our past, the energy was — as the kids say — “on TEN” at New Castle County’s Kids Camp during their Stars and Stripes Week! Not only did we do arts and crafts, but they shared their concerns about technology, excitement about food or cars in the next 250, what they hope to be in the future and even the existence of aliens. While I’m still washing off the blue marker on my fingers, I can honestly say, with these young ones our future is bright! I know we’ll be set for the next 250 with these young leaders guiding the way. Throughout my tour across the state, I asked two questions: “What does America 250 mean to you?” and “What do you hope for the next 250 years?” I talked to Delawareans from different background and heard honest reflections. No answer was the same, but each offered an insightful look at our nation’s legacy. One interview that stuck out was my conversation with Rocky Roblero. Rocky is a small business owner and a local influencer. We discussed Delaware’s growing Latino community and what this anniversary means as an increasingly diverse nation. On the 250th Rocky said: “We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of America. A great country formed principally by immigrants from all over the world. “Estamos celebrando los doscientos cincuenta años del nacimiento de América. Un gran país formado principalmente de inmigrantes de todo el mundo.” Watch a portion of our conversation HERE . Improving the quality of life for seniors in our community is a top priority and Milford Wellness Village lives the mission. This week our team was briefed on the Education, Health, Research International, Inc. (EHRI), WeCare, and PACE Your Life programs. In addition to advocating for federal funding for research and care efforts this year, we also celebrated a $1.25 million federal grant awarded to EHRI to support programming focused on independent living and chronic disease self-management. From serving children to seniors, the Milford Wellness Village understands, it truly does take a village! Never hesitate to reach out to my office for help. CLICK HERE to learn more. This week’s Constituent Corner honors honors Dr. Reba Hollingsworth, 99 (she’ll be 100 in October), and Mrs. Susan Young Brown, 108. Dr. Hollingsworth invited me to speak at the annual Women’s Day celebration at Whatcoat United Methodist in Dover. After the service, I sat down with these two “Sheroes” for a conversation about their childhood, life in Delaware, how they stay so young at heart, and what America 250 means to them. These remarkable women are a living testament to the Women’s Day theme — “Ignited by Purpose”. What a blessing it is to know and learn from them. Watch a portion of our conversation HERE . Capitol Conversations My Washington office will host our next Capitol Conversations on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 2 pm. If you find yourself in the D.C. area, drop by to connect with me and my team. CLICK HERE to RSVP. Service Academy Are you a young person interested in serving our country? Every year, I have the honor of nominating exceptional students to one of our U.S. Service Academies. The 2026 application process is now open through October 15. CLICK HERE to learn more. Please head to my website’s Resources for Delawareans page for information about lowering your energy costs, scheduling passport appointments, finding emergency housing, accessing food assistance, paying for prescription drugs, connecting with mental health resources, and more. CLICK HERE FOR MY RESOURCES PAGE.