The Milford Museum American History Series will spotlight the arrival of the railroad in Delaware with a special presentation by historian Doug Poore on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Milford Public Library.
The program explores how the arrival of the railroad transformed Delaware and the broader Delmarva Peninsula, reshaping communities, commerce, and travel. Railroads first emerged in the United States just before the American Civil War, paused during wartime, and then rapidly expanded—connecting rural towns to major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Norfolk.
At its peak, more than 20 rail lines crisscrossed Delmarva, linking even the smallest communities to regional economic hubs. The arrival of the railroad led some towns to relocate entirely to be closer to the tracks, while others declined after being bypassed with the arrival of the railroad.
The lecture will also highlight the local struggle surrounding the arrival of the railroad in Milford, detailing the efforts, debates, and determination required to bring rail service to the town. This pivotal moment in Milford’s history helped shape its growth and connection to the wider region.
Today, many former rail lines have disappeared, though some have been repurposed into museums, businesses, and scenic walking and biking trails.
Poore, a longtime railroad enthusiast and former paramedic, brings personal insight and decades of research to the presentation, bringing significant knowledge of the arrival of the railroad. Raised in Harrington, Delaware, he grew up alongside the tracks and recalls watching the annual carnival train deliver rides for the Delaware State Fair. Now serving as a volunteer curator with the Greater Harrington Historical Society, Poore has authored three books documenting the region’s railroad history. His work combines archival research with firsthand exploration of historic rail corridors across the peninsula.
The lecture is part of a monthly series hosted by the Milford Museum, focusing on local, state, and national history. Programs are held on the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library, located at 11 S.E. Front Street.
For more information, contact the Milford Museum at (302) 424-1080 or via email. The series is supported by a grant from the Delaware Heritage Commission.
