Students’ Mock Continental Congress Coming to Delaware

DOVER, Del. –

Delaware 250 has announced that middle and high school students across Delaware will have the opportunity this June to take part in a Mock Continental Congress, inspired by the Second Continental Congress that convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1776. On Friday, June 6, fifty middle and high school students from all three counties will gather at Legislative Hall in Dover, where they will engage first-hand with the historical considerations around American independence. Students were nominated by their teachers for participation in the immersive, day-long educational experience.

“This experience will help students engage with historical thinking and civic engagement,” said Margaret Hughes, Director of Delaware 250. “In the summer of 1776, separation from Great Britain wasn’t a foregone conclusion. By putting themselves in the shoes of the members of the Second Continental Congress, students will be able not only to imagine, but to actively participate in history, civil dialogue, parliamentary procedure, and the complex questions around independence.”

Not only will students engage with historical ideas, but they will do so in a space that is central to Delaware’s democratic process. “We are delighted to welcome students into the historic setting of Legislative Hall in Dover,” said Nicole Worthley, Superintendent of First State Heritage Park. “The idea of First State Heritage Park is that it is an ‘urban park without boundaries,’ so we are excited to get middle and high school students not only learning about history but engaging with this significant space.”

The Mock Continental Congress is a partnership between several Delaware organizations: Delaware 250, the state’s official entity marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026; Delaware Historical Society; First State Heritage Park (Delaware State Parks); and Delaware Center for Civics Education at the University of Delaware.

The day will also include presentations by historians Dr. Richard Bell of the University of Maryland and Dr. Emily Sneff, an independent scholar and expert on the Declaration of Independence.

The Mock Continental Congress will take place on Friday, June 6th, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M, at Legislative Hall in Dover. Delaware 250 and First State Heritage Park are available for advance interviews about this event. For inquiries about interviews or media coverage for the event, please email catherine.pierce@delaware.gov.

 

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About Delaware 250

Delaware 250 is the State’s official entity marking the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence on July 4, 2026. A special project of the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives, Delaware 250 seeks to reflect on and celebrate the plurality of histories within the First State and the Nation.

 

About First State Heritage Park

First State Heritage Park, one of Delaware’s 17 state parks, is Delaware’s first “urban park without boundaries.” Located in the downtown Dover area, First State Heritage Park brings together Dover’s museums and historic sites into an all-inclusive visitor experience. Visit Delaware’s current and original capitol buildings, explore the Archives, find your new favorite artist, take a walking tour of the Historic Green, step back in time to the 18^th century and interact with living history interpreters, and learn about the history of recorded sound while listing to original records.

 

About Delaware Historical Society

The Delaware Historical Society is a non-profit organization that preserves, promotes, and shares Delaware’s history to educate, inspire, and empower people and communities. The Delaware Historical Society owns and operates the Delaware History Museum, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, a nationally recognized Research Library, Old Town Hall, and Willingtown Square in downtown Wilmington, and the National Historic Landmark Read House & Gardens located in New Castle. For more information, visit www.dehistory.org.

 

The Delaware Center for Civics Education

Since 1999, the Delaware Center for Civics Education (DCCE) has provided resources and support for teaching and learning aligned to Delaware’s civics standards so that preservice and professional educators are well-equipped to prepare their students for college, career, and civic life. Services include curriculum and professional development, author events, and special programming in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Department of Elections, and the Department of State to sponsor Delaware student mock elections and an annual civics education summer institute for Delaware teachers. DCCE is an initiative of the Institute for Public Administration, a research and public service center at the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration.

 

Press Contact:
Catherine Pierce
Catherine.Pierce@delaware.gov
(302) 744-5076