The Museum opened its doors to the public in August 1980. A main exhibit building and fifteen historic structures associated with a nineteenth century farming community bring the fascinating story of agriculture to life. More than 4,000 artifacts are displayed in the main exhibit building - from butter churns to threshers, from an eighteenth century log house to the first broiler chicken house. The artifacts convey the story of technological growth and change in Delaware and Delmarva's agricultural industries and farm home life through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Since its opening, more than 400,000 visitors have toured the Museum and learned about Delaware and Delmarva's agricultural history through long-term exhibitions focusing on grain harvesting, the evolution of the tractor, and the poultry, produce and dairy industries.
Temporary exhibits offer insights into other facets of rural life.
In addition, the Museum hosts a number of annual special events which highlight the activities of nineteenth century farmers. A volunteer board of twenty-four Trustees governs the Museum. The staff also produces a creative program of special events, educational programs and constantly changing array of exhibits. For the child who believes milk comes from the grocery store instead of a cow, for the woman who remembers using a cornsheller on her grandmother's farm, the family who takes twentieth century technological advances and the farmer for granted, the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village offers a memorable and educational experience. By preserving the quickly fading agricultural heritage of Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula, the Museum stands as an important legacy for future generations.