As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Delaware is honoring its role in America’s founding story through the Delaware250 campaign. Adding to the celebration, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will present "America Under Sail", a series of events hosted throughout 2026. Visitors are invited to experience hands-on history, family-friendly festivals, and immersive storytelling at the Copeland Maritime Center and aboard Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware—the full-scale replica of the ship that carried the first settlers of New Sweden to Delaware in 1638.
Located along Wilmington’s Riverfront, the Foundation’s campus is a hub of activity, connecting Delaware’s maritime roots to the broader American journey toward independence, freedom, and innovation.
Kalmar Nyckel, the official Tall Ship of Delaware, is a stunning full-scale replica of the original 1638 Swedish flagship. From May through October, the ship offers river cruises in Wilmington, day…
Event Highlights include:
Second Saturdays at the Maritime Center
Monthly | 1–4 p.m.
Second Saturdays offers seasonal, family-friendly fun inside the riverfront Maritime Center, perfect for curious kids and history-loving families. Activities rotate throughout the year and include crafts, music, storytelling, and cultural traditions inspired by Delaware’s maritime past. Admission is just $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5–12, and free for children under five.
February 14: Sailors’ Valentines | Learn about intricate seashell mosaics once sent home by sailors and create your own sparkling keepsake.
March 14: Let Your Voice Be Heard | Celebrate Women’s History Month by crafting protest signs and megaphones inspired by historic movements.
April 11: Poems in a Bottle | Write a playful sea chantey and tuck it into a decorated bottle, sailor-style.
*Future Second Saturday themes include Lenape Voices, Scout Day, and more through November.
In honor of Black History Month, the Foundation presents free performances featuring William Still, a key figure of the Underground Railroad, portrayed by actor-historian Keith Henley. This powerful program includes museum access, community partner displays, and tours of Fort Christina Park. Admission is free, but registration is required.
A favorite for builders of all ages, LEGO Brick™ Shipbuilding Day invites families to design and construct ship models, explore free-build spaces, and enjoy prizes, face painting, and hands-on fun. Thanks to community sponsors, admission and parking are free.
Celebrate the start of sailing season with special DE250-themed programs and on-the-water experiences aboard the Tall Ship of Delaware.
Captain Kidd’s Pirate Day (May 23)
Costumes encouraged! Enjoy cannon demonstrations, sword school, pirate tales, Tall Ship tours, and family-friendly fun throughout the day.
Fort Christina Park Tours (Beginning May 23)
Explore the original 1638 landing site of the Kalmar Nyckel and learn about its role in early settlement and the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Through sails, school programs, festivals, and community events, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation reaches tens of thousands of people each year, blending history with hands-on learning. As Delaware marks America’s Semiquincentennial, “DE250: America Under Sail” invites visitors to step aboard, explore the past, and see how the First State’s maritime story continues to shape our shared future.
To learn more, register for events, or plan your visit, explore KalmarNyckel.org and experience Delaware’s history—under sail.
Author
Jessica Horstmann
Digital Marketing Manager of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica:
Hi, I'm Jessica, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington CVB and a passionate advocate for all things Delaware. When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that perfectly balanced the energy of city life with the serenity of the countryside—all just a short drive apart. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with vibrant attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make every day an adventure. As a traveler and storyteller, I’m passionate about uncovering and sharing the First State’s best-kept secrets. Through my blogs, I invite you to join me in exploring why Delaware is small but mighty—there’s always something new and exciting to discover!
