THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 11:42:35 AM Eastern
Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution while driving and hiking never walk directly under a tree that is hanging. Park staff is working to improve conditions.
Official NPS sourceApplications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
Official NPS source
WILMINGTON, Del. — The National Park Service is proposing to allow bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of designated trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of First State National Historical Park and is seeking public comment on the proposed rule from July 30 through Sept. 28.
Official NPS source
The Washington-Rochambeau Trail introduces the All-American Road Trip; an America 250 initiative encouraging travelers to experience New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites and follow the historic 1781 Franco-American march to Yorktown. The campaign launches alongside new national interest from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NHT launches the All-American Road Trip, a major America 250 initiative inviting visitors to explore the historic 1781 march of American and French forces to Yorktown. Coinciding with renewed interest from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, the campaign highlights living history events, educational programs, partnerships, and travel opportunities across the 680-mile trail, beginning in Newport and connecting communities from Rhode Island to Virginia.
Official NPS source
National trails enthusiast and lifelong explorer Frank Kos has accomplished a remarkable feat: visiting 30 out of 32 of our nation's national scenic and historic trails, each documented with a photo beside the trail’s official signage. What makes his journey extraordinary is his long-standing commitment not only to exploring segments of each trail, but also to creating a personal archive of memories through photographs and stories shared in a hand-crafted scrapbook chronicling decades of travel across America.
Official NPS source
The Brandywine Valley Trail Plan at First State National Historical Park can move forward. The plan defines a designated shared-use 27.8-mile trail network that will provide high-quality recreational opportunities, promote visitor safety and enjoyment and preserve connectivity with leased property within the Brandywine Valley section of the park and neighboring properties.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has awarded $1.2 million in grants supporting 14 community-driven projects that highlight the natural, cultural, recreational, and historical significance of the Chesapeake region. The grants empower a mix of diverse partners, from local Tribes to local nonprofit organizations, to tell untold stories, promote community resilience, and enhance public access to the outdoors across this treasured landscape.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input from July 2 to August 1, 2024, on a draft Trail Plan for First State National Historical Park’s Brandywine Valley unit. Public input will help shape the trail plan, which will establish a cohesive and sustainable trail network for the Brandywine Valley unit.
Official NPS source
George Washington Birthplace Hosts National Trails Day Event on June 1st, 2024. Participating organizations include the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, The Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Northern Neck National Heritage Area, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.
Official NPS source
First State National Historical Park open's the park’s first welcome center at the Sheriff’s House, located in New Castle. The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) awarded $2,367,633.17 in Chesapeake Gateways Grants through the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Office in September to fund 22 projects. Governmental and non-governmental organizations spearhead the projects funded by Chesapeake Gateways grants to bring out familiar, untold, under-appreciated, or yet to be uncovered narratives and to promote resilient communities & landscapes through tourism, sustainability, conservation & local economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These awards are made possible through annual appropriations from Congress.
Official NPS source
At an intimate naturalization ceremony at First State National Historical Park in New Castle, Delaware, 20 people from 12 different countries became United States citizens.
Official NPS source
NEW Traffic Pattern at Smith Bridge Parking Lot, beginning Saturday, May 27th
Official NPS source
NPS Chesapeake is pleased to announce new capacity to support and serve partners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Two new members of the NPS Chesapeake leadership team have joined the office based in Annapolis, Maryland, bringing a wealth of experience: Ian Austin, Director of Administration and Eddie Gonzalez, Director of Partnerships and Grants. Three additional NPS employees have joined NPS Chesapeake office to lead key projects: Brent Everitt, Communications and Visitor Experience Specialist; Aurelia Gracia, Outdoor Recreation Planner; and Cherri Espersen, Partnerships Coordinator.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million.
Official NPS sourceLast week, National Park Service (NPS) Director Chuck Sams visited Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown, Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, and Werowocomoco in Gloucester County, part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail to learn about the vast diversity of these significant sites and the work that will need to be done to continue their preservation.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service and US Senator Tom Carper kicked off National Park Week Friday morning with a press event to celebrate the rehabilitation of the historic Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware.
Official NPS source*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-68dab67a-91a8-832c-8f16-9902584f3193-14" data-testid="conversation-turn-106" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> 🚢🛠️ Deltaville Ship Modelers’ Guild ⚓ Build. Learn. Share. Set sail into the world of craftsmanship and creativity at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park ! The Ship Modelers’ Guild welcomes adults of all skill levels—from curious beginners to seasoned builders. Whether you’re starting your first model or refining advanced techniques, this is the perfect place to connect, learn, and create. 🎉 What to Expect: 🔧 Demonstrations of ship modeling tools & techniques 💬 Group discussions and skill-sharing 🚤 Show-and-tell of current projects 🤝 Advice and tips from fellow modelers 🌟 A welcoming, hands-on learning environment 📍 Meeting Details: When: Second Thursday of each month 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Events Pavilion, 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 ✨ Who Can Join? Open to adult museum members of all experience levels. Come build your skills—and your next model—alongside a community of passionate makers!
Official NPS sourceWitness firsthand the true stories of murders and encounter characters whose legends have left their sinister imprint on The Green. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Ticket Details Duration: 1 hr. 00 min. Accessible: No Effort: Moderate Accessibility This event takes place on the Dover Green, which is a flat, park-like setting amidst towering trees. It is accessible to those requiring mobility assistance but is not paved. Parking is available immediately adjacent to the Dover Green. Amenities Restrooms available before and after tour Directions The Green, State St., Dover, DE 19901
Official NPS source🎆Deltaville Maritime Museum Festival 🎉 Honoring Virginia’s 250 Years (VA250) Celebrate history, heritage, and waterfront fun at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park during a full day festival honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary ! Enjoy the perfect mix of maritime tradition, community pride, and festival excitement along the beautiful waterfront. 🎶 Festival Highlights: 🎸 Live Music All Day – Multiple bands (TBA) keeping the energy high 🚗 Classic Car Show – Shine, chrome, and automotive history on display 🛍️ Local Vendors – Handmade goods, crafts, and local treasures 🚚 Food Trucks – Delicious eats for every taste 🧒 Children’s Activities – Fun, hands-on activities for kids 🚤 Free Boat Rides – Enjoy the water and the view 🥐 Bistro (opens at 9 AM) – Early bites to start your day right 🌊 Waterfront Views & Community Fun – Relax and explore all day long 📅 Event Details: Date: October 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 ✨ Come spend the day where history meets the harbor—celebrating Virginia’s past, present, and future with music, food, and community spirit!
Official NPS sourceCelebrate Halloween with a Maritime Twist! Celebrate Halloween at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard with a maritime twist on spooky fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy tours of the Kalmar Nyckel , Delaware’s Tall Ship, along with pumpkin painting and plenty of other family-friendly activities. Then, make your way to Fort Christina and stop by to say hello to some of your favorite Park Rangers as you trick-or-treat through the park. But beware—you never know whether the rangers will have a trick or a treat waiting for you! Come celebrate the season, explore local history, and enjoy a Halloween adventure the whole family will remember.
Official NPS sourceDo you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project. Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center. Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov . Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
Official NPS sourceDo you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project. Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center. Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov . Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
Official NPS sourceDo you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project. Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center. Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov . Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
Official NPS sourceDo you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project. Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center. Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov . Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
Official NPS source🎃👻 Scary Halloween in the Park 🕸️🌙 Free Family-Friendly Halloween Fun! Join us at the Deltaville Maritime Museum for a spooky (but fun!) Halloween tradition the whole family can enjoy! This FREE community event transforms Holly Point Nature Park into a safe, festive, and thrilling Halloween adventure for all ages. 🕷️ What You’ll Find: 🍬 Candy, Candy, Candy! – Treats at every turn 🎃 Perilous Pavilion (Less Scary Zone) – Candy stations hosted by volunteers & local businesses 🚜 Hayrides Through the “Field of Screams” – Ghosts, goblins & glowing “holo-illusions” 🌲 Wailin’ Woods (For the Brave!) – A spooky walk for the stout of heart 🅿️ Well-lit, convenient parking for all visitors 🍔 Food & Drinks: 🌭 Hot dogs ☕ Hot coffee 🍫 Hot chocolate 💧 Bottled water ✨ Event Highlights: 🎉 Completely FREE and open to all ages 🧡 Safe, family-friendly Halloween environment 🎭 Fun, spooky attractions for every scare level 🤝 Volunteer support from the local community 📅 Event Details: Date: October 31, 2026 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Location: 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 👻 Come in costume, bring your friends, and enjoy a frightfully fun night at the park—if you dare! 🎃🌙
Official NPS source*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-68dab67a-91a8-832c-8f16-9902584f3193-14" data-testid="conversation-turn-106" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> 🚢🛠️ Deltaville Ship Modelers’ Guild ⚓ Build. Learn. Share. Set sail into the world of craftsmanship and creativity at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park ! The Ship Modelers’ Guild welcomes adults of all skill levels—from curious beginners to seasoned builders. Whether you’re starting your first model or refining advanced techniques, this is the perfect place to connect, learn, and create. 🎉 What to Expect: 🔧 Demonstrations of ship modeling tools & techniques 💬 Group discussions and skill-sharing 🚤 Show-and-tell of current projects 🤝 Advice and tips from fellow modelers 🌟 A welcoming, hands-on learning environment 📍 Meeting Details: When: Second Thursday of each month 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Events Pavilion, 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 ✨ Who Can Join? Open to adult museum members of all experience levels. Come build your skills—and your next model—alongside a community of passionate makers!
Official NPS source🎄🎁 Holly Point Holiday Gift Market ❄️✨ Shop Local. Celebrate the Season. Enjoy the Waterfront. Kick off the holiday season at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park with a festive waterfront market filled with handmade treasures, seasonal cheer, and community spirit! 🛍️ What You’ll Find: 🎁 Handmade holiday gifts & seasonal décor 🎨 Local crafts from artisans & makers 🧶 One-of-a-kind creations perfect for gifting 🎄 A cozy, festive waterfront shopping experience 🍳 Holiday Brunch at the Tea House 🌟 Featured Vendors & Events: Fun & Games with Karen! DMM Modeler’s Guild Model Boat Show FD Crockett & Boat Shop Tours Captain Pete Cardozo & Discovery Cruises Holly Point Railroad Co. ✨ Event Highlights: 🛍️ Craftsmen, artists, and vendors from across the region 🌊 Beautiful holiday shopping by the water 🎁 Unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else 🎶 Relaxed, festive community atmosphere 📅 Event Details: Date: November 28, 2026 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Location: 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 🎄 Come shop, sip, and celebrate the magic of the holidays at Holly Point Market!
Official NPS sourceNational Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau's Expédition Particulière during their 1781 march from Newport, Rhode Island, to Yorktown, Virginia. France's support in America's struggle for independence was vital to victory at Yorktown. The trail commemorates that victory and the lasting Franco-American friendship.
Connecticut · Delaware · Maryland · Massachusetts · New Jersey · New York · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · VirginiaNational Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!
Delaware · Maryland · New York · Pennsylvania · VirginiaOver 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.
Delaware · Maryland · New York · Pennsylvania · Virginia · West VirginiaNational Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
Delaware · PennsylvaniaDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory