Department of Health and Social Services Library

Delaware may be known primarily for that iconic Wayne's World scene, for tax-free shopping, and for President Joe Biden. Secret Delaware: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure pulls back the curtain on the First State's historic happenings and modern institutions, showcasing the people, places, and artifacts that make Delaware what it is. Learn the stories of people like the Black ballplayer who had an astounding career in the Negro Leagues and the newspaper reporter who discovered an unknown shipwreck while she was strolling on the beach. Dive deep into Delaware history, from the standing stones that make up the border with Maryland to the site where the United States flag is said to have first flown in battle. You'll read about how a children's book author created the modern image of the buccaneer, how a quarantine center for immigrants is now a tremendously popular state park, and how a lab experiment led to a decades-long economic boom for one small town. Secret Delaware: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure will help guide you on adventures to discover the secret of eternal life, the story behind a world-famous LGBTQ destination, and the resting place of British Royal Navy sailors who died in 1798.Local authors and former reporters Rachel Kipp and Dan Shortridge will take you on a whirlwind, behind-the-scenes tour of Delaware's oddities, irregularities, and strange stuff.