22-06-2025
Historic wedding gowns, accessories part of 'Coming to America' celebration at Hagley
Graduation and prom seasons are giving way to wedding season, and what better time to get out of the summer heat and get a close-up look at historic wedding dresses?
Throughout the summer months, museumgoers can immerse themselves in romantic chapters of Delaware history by touring an exhibit about du Pont family weddings.
On view through July, the exhibit is hosted by Hagley Museum and Library's Eleutherian Mills Residence in Greenville.
'Hot wedding trends for 2025, including micro weddings and upcycled dresses, are nothing new,'' according to Hagley press materials. 'In the early 1800s, weddings were intimate affairs, often held in the bride's home wearing dresses passed down among generations. Some pieces were worn by the descendants of the brides; some were worn by, or belonged to, residents of Eleutherian Mills.''
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On view are four wedding dresses worn by du Pont family members. Guests can also see wedding keepsakes including 'the Tiffany wedding announcement for Louise Evelina du Pont and Francis 'Frank' Boardman Crowninshield,'' according to a Hagley spokesperson.
'Louise and Frank got married on June 28, 1900, so this year would be their 125th wedding anniversary,'' she says. 'One wedding gown on display worn by Jean Kane Foulke (1891-1985), who married Eleuthère 'E.' Paul du Pont, was subsequently worn by two of her granddaughters!''
The exhibit, "du Pont Family Weddings, 1813-1942,'' is a component of 'Coming to America' celebration at Hagley, marking the 225th anniversary of the du Pont's arrival in America from France and settled along the banks of the Brandywine.
According to press materials, Hagley visitors can also tour a pop-up display of items the du Ponts brought with them from France and objects that recall their earliest years in the U.S.
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You can view "Coming to America'' and "du Pont Family Weddings'' through Sept. 1. Both displays are included with Hagley admission.
Hagley is open daily except for Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission is at 4 p.m. Admission is $20; $16 for students or seniors (62+); $10 for ages 6 to 14; free for children under 6, active military. Visit or call (302) 658-2400.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wedding gowns, keepsakes part du Pont anniversary plans at Hagley
