About Us
Duck Creek Historical Society
The Duck Creek Historical Society (DCHS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational membership organization that was founded in 1960. The Society depends on donations and grants to support operating costs and to continue preserving and exhibiting our local history. DCHS staffs and maintains the Smyrna Museum and Plank House in Historic Downtown Smyrna, Delaware, known as the Smyrna Museum Complex.
We are committed to preserving and maintaining our small-town heritage. The Society is a repository for historical items, books, photographs, and documents related to Smyrna's history.
Our Mission is to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purpose and to discover, acquire, restore, improve, preserve and maintain structures, lands and landmarks, sites, furnishings, objects and artifacts of historical significance related to Duck Creek and Smyrna, DE, for the education and enjoyment of the public and members of the Society, without motive of profit or financial gain.
Visit us and tour the original Georgian brick structure erected in the late 1790's for and by the miller of Duck Creek, Robert Holliday. Step back in time and learn about various Smyrna and Delaware related art, historical items, and check out our seasonal exhibits.
Check out our Events page for special events!
The Plank House
The Smyrna Museum Complex is home to one of the last original examples of early Swedish Delaware plank dwelling architecture from the late 1700's. The cabin was discovered during a Smyrna home demolition and was moved to the Lindens property in 1962. The Duck Creek Historical Society has worked diligently to acquire the plank house and in 1999 the cabin was disassembled and moved to the rear yard of the museum. Enjoy stepping back in time during the plank house tour.
History of the Town of Smyrna
The town of Smyrna was first settled prior to the American Revolution on the bank of Duck Creek. The tiny village was first named Salisbury in 1716 but it was known to the town folks as Duck Creek. The village soon became a thriving community of merchants, shipping grain, lumber, peaches, fertilizer, and ship building became a prominent business. In 1806 the town name was changed to Smyrna.
Today, you can visit Smyrna and see the hometown charm and rich architectural heritage in the collection of historical homes, stores, and churches. Come explore the well maintained examples of Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne architecture. There are more than 490 houses in Smyrna that qualify to be named to the National Register of Historic Places.