Delaware Today magazine

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Delaware Today is a regional lifestyle magazine serving the state of Delaware. Founded approximately in the mid-1960s — with the publication describing itself as "The First State's lifestyle authority for 60 years" as of recent years — the magazine has grown into one of the state's most recognized publications covering local news, culture, dining, real estate, community events, and public affairs. Published monthly, the magazine distributes both a print edition and maintains an active digital presence, including its official website and social media accounts on platforms such as X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Its content spans politics, education, the arts, and economic trends, making it a consistent resource for understanding Delaware's civic and cultural life. Over the decades, Delaware Today has become a recognized voice in the state, reflecting the changing landscape of Delaware while documenting its heritage. The magazine's coverage extends beyond news, frequently highlighting the state's natural environment, historical landmarks, and the contributions of its residents to various fields.

History

Delaware Today magazine traces its origins to approximately the mid-1960s, a period of significant social and economic change across the United States and within Delaware itself. The magazine was established to serve as a lifestyle and civic authority for Delawareans, offering coverage of local politics, community affairs, culture, and the personalities shaping the state. Its early issues reflected the concerns and interests of a postwar Delaware navigating urban growth, demographic shifts, and the expansion of its corporate and chemical industries. By positioning itself as a regional authority rather than a narrowly focused trade or political journal, Delaware Today distinguished itself from other local publications and cultivated a broad readership across the state.

By the mid-20th century, the magazine had expanded its scope, incorporating features on local politics, education, and the arts, which helped solidify its reputation as a comprehensive source of information for Delawareans. Its annual "Best of Delaware" features, profiling top professionals, businesses, and institutions across categories such as law, medicine, and dining, became a signature element of the publication and are widely referenced by organizations and professionals throughout the state. For example, Richards, Layton & Finger, one of Delaware's most prominent law firms, has publicly noted the selection of dozens of its attorneys in Delaware Today's "Top Lawyers" feature.

The magazine's evolution continued into the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the rise of digital media. In response to shifting reader preferences, Delaware Today developed an online presence at delawaretoday.com, allowing for broader access to its content and the ability to cover breaking news and community events in closer to real time. This adaptation was important in maintaining its relevance amid a national contraction in regional print media. Throughout its history, Delaware Today has remained committed to highlighting the achievements of Delaware's residents, from civic leaders and entrepreneurs to educators and artists. The magazine continues to publish monthly print issues, with its December 2025 edition among its most recent.

Geography

Delaware Today magazine has long emphasized the geographical diversity of Delaware, a state often referred to as the "First State" due to its role as the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The magazine frequently features articles on the state's three distinct geographic regions: the northern Piedmont, the central and southern coastal plain, and the Delmarva Peninsula lowlands. These areas are characterized by their markedly different landscapes, from the rolling, wooded hills of New Castle County in the north to the flat, fertile farmland of Kent and Sussex counties and the sandy barrier beaches and wetlands along the Atlantic coast and Delaware Bay.

Delaware Today's coverage of geography often includes analysis of how these regions contribute to the state's economy, such as the agricultural productivity of the southern coastal plain — Sussex County ranks among the leading poultry-producing counties in the United States — and the historical and ecological significance of the Delmarva Peninsula. The northern Piedmont, anchored by the city of Wilmington, has historically served as the state's industrial and financial core, shaped in large part by the legacy of the DuPont chemical company, which established its original powder works along the Brandywine River in the early 19th century.

In addition to its natural geography, the magazine has explored the impact of human activity on Delaware's environment. It has documented the state's efforts to preserve wetlands and manage coastal erosion, highlighting the work of organizations such as the Delaware Nature Society. Delaware Today also frequently profiles local landmarks, such as the Brandywine River Valley, celebrated for its scenic beauty and its associations with the Wyeth family of artists. These features serve both to educate readers about Delaware's geographic character and to encourage appreciation for the state's natural and cultural heritage.

Culture

Delaware Today magazine has played a consistent role in documenting and promoting Delaware's cultural heritage, from its colonial history to its contemporary artistic scene. The magazine regularly features stories on local traditions, such as the annual Delaware State Fair, which showcases the state's agricultural legacy and draws large crowds to Harrington each summer. It has also highlighted the contributions of Delaware's African American community, including the history of significant institutions in Wilmington and Dover and the legacy of civil rights figures connected to the state. These articles provide readers with a deeper understanding of Delaware's multicultural identity and the diverse influences that have shaped its cultural landscape over centuries.

In recent years, Delaware Today has expanded its coverage to include contemporary cultural movements, such as the growth of the state's craft beverage industry and the development of independent arts venues in Wilmington and beyond. The magazine has profiled Delaware's literary and visual arts scenes, featuring interviews with writers, painters, and performers who draw on the state's landscapes and history for their work. Coverage of organizations such as the Delaware Art Museum and the Rehoboth Beach Film Society reflects the magazine's sustained interest in the state's creative institutions. These efforts have helped position Delaware Today as an active participant in documenting the evolving cultural narratives of the First State.

The magazine has also demonstrated an interest in emerging community-driven enterprises. In recent years, for instance, it has featured businesses such as Dueling Rabbits, a locally celebrated venture recognized through the state's startup community, illustrating the magazine's attention to entrepreneurial culture as a dimension of Delaware's contemporary identity.

Notable Residents

Delaware Today magazine has long served as a platform for profiling the achievements of Delaware's most influential residents, spanning fields such as science, politics, business, and the arts. Among the magazine's most recognized recurring features is its annual "Top Lawyers" list, which identifies distinguished legal professionals practicing in the state. This feature is widely cited by law firms and individual attorneys as a mark of professional recognition within Delaware's legal community, which holds national significance given the state's role as a preeminent jurisdiction for corporate law and business litigation.

The magazine has also highlighted the contributions of local politicians and public figures whose careers have extended well beyond the state's borders. Joseph R. Biden Jr., who represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years before serving as the 46th President of the United States, was a frequent subject of coverage throughout his career, and Delaware Today documented his early political development and his deep ties to the Wilmington and Scranton communities that shaped him. In addition to profiling prominent figures, the magazine has consistently spotlighted educators, healthcare workers, and community organizers whose contributions, while less visible on a national stage, have had meaningful impacts within their communities. These profiles emphasize that Delaware's story is shaped not only by its most celebrated names but also by the collective efforts of its residents across professions and backgrounds.

Economy

Delaware Today magazine has provided sustained coverage of the state's economic landscape, reflecting its transformation from a primarily agricultural economy into a diversified one driven by industries including pharmaceuticals, financial services, corporate law, and technology. The magazine has reported extensively on the legacy of DuPont — whose headquarters in Wilmington made Delaware synonymous with the American chemical industry for much of the 20th century — and on how the company's evolution and restructuring have affected the broader state economy. Delaware Today has also covered the growth of financial services in the Wilmington area, where major credit card companies and banks have maintained significant operations, drawn in part by Delaware's favorable corporate statutes.

The magazine has frequently reported on the state's biotechnology and life sciences sectors, particularly in the Wilmington and Newark corridors, and has included interviews with industry leaders and analyses of how state policies such as targeted tax incentives have contributed to economic development. Delaware Today has also highlighted the role of small businesses in the state's economy, showcasing local entrepreneurs and their contributions to their communities. In that vein, the magazine's coverage of ventures recognized by organizations such as Launcher DE — a Delaware-based startup accelerator — reflects its interest in documenting the state's evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In addition to its coverage of traditional industries, Delaware Today has explored emerging economic trends, such as the rise of renewable energy and the expansion of the state's technology sector. These articles provide readers with insight into the state's economic strategies and their potential long-term impact. By maintaining a focus on both established and emerging industries, the magazine has helped readers stay informed about the dynamic economic environment of Delaware, contextualizing local business developments within broader regional and national trends.

Attractions

Delaware Today magazine has consistently highlighted the state's diverse array of attractions, from its historic sites to its natural landscapes. The magazine has covered First State National Historical Park, a collection of sites across Delaware associated with the founding of the colony and the early republic, including New Castle's historic courthouse and the Dover Green. It has also profiled the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, a renowned institution in the Brandywine Valley dedicated to American decorative arts and garden design. Features on these destinations often include practical information for visitors, such as details on seasonal programs and special exhibitions, making Delaware Today a useful planning resource for tourists and residents exploring the state.

In addition to historical landmarks, Delaware Today has celebrated the state's natural attractions, including the Delaware Bay, the beaches of Rehoboth, Lewes, and Bethany, and the inland waterways and wildlife areas of Sussex County. The magazine has frequently featured articles on outdoor activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, with an emphasis on responsible use of natural spaces and the importance of environmental conservation. Coverage of institutions such as the Delaware Audubon Society has drawn attention to the state's significance as a corridor for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. These features serve both to promote tourism and to raise awareness about the ecological value of Delaware's natural heritage.

Getting There

Delaware Today magazine has provided practical coverage of Delaware's transportation networks, which include a mix of interstate highways, rail connections, and public transit options. The magazine has discussed the importance of Interstate 95 and the Delaware Turnpike as major arteries connecting the state's northern corridor — including Wilmington and Newark — to the broader Northeast, and has addressed the role of these routes in facilitating both daily commuting and interstate commerce. Coverage has also extended to the state's smaller roadways and their seasonal traffic patterns, particularly during the summer months when coastal resort communities such as Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach see sharp increases in visitor traffic.

The magazine has also explored Delaware's role in regional transportation, particularly its connections to neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania and its proximity to major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Delaware Today has featured articles on public transportation options serving Wilmington and New Castle County, as well as on the development of cycling infrastructure such as trail networks that promote non-motorized travel. By covering these topics, the magazine has helped readers understand the practical dimensions of navigating Delaware and the state's ongoing investments in its transportation systems.

Neighborhoods

Delaware Today magazine has offered in-depth explorations of the state's neighborhoods and communities, highlighting their individual characters and the residents who define them. The magazine has given sustained coverage to Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, documenting the revitalization of its downtown core, the development of the Riverfront district along the Christina River, and the cultural life of its diverse residential neighborhoods. Smaller cities such as Dover, the state capital, and Newark, home to the University of Delaware, have also received regular coverage, with the magazine examining their civic institutions, local economies, and community events.

Beyond urban areas, Delaware Today has explored the distinct character of the state's smaller towns and coastal communities. Places such as Lewes — one of the oldest European settlements in the country — Milford, with its notable historic architecture, and the resort communities of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach have all been subjects of feature coverage. The magazine has documented the challenges and opportunities these communities face, including the management of seasonal tourism, the preservation of historic building stock, and the tension between development pressure and quality-of-life considerations. These articles reflect the full geographic breadth of Delaware and encourage readers to engage with the state's communities beyond their immediate localities.

Education

Delaware Today magazine has consistently covered education as a central theme in the state's civic life, addressing topics ranging from K–12 school reform to the research missions of Delaware's universities. The magazine has reported on initiatives undertaken by the Delaware Department of Education to improve student outcomes, including the expansion of STEM programming and the integration of technology into classroom instruction. It has profiled innovative schools and educational models operating across the state, offering perspectives from educators, administrators, students, and parents on the challenges of improving educational equity and academic achievement in a state with significant urban-rural and socioeconomic divides.

In addition to K–12 education, Delaware Today has given considerable attention to the role of the state's colleges and universities in driving research, workforce development, and cultural life. The University of Delaware in Newark and Delaware State University in Dover — a historically Black university with deep roots in the state's African American community — have both been subjects of recurring coverage. The magazine has documented their academic programs, research initiatives, and contributions to Delaware's economy and public life, reinforcing the view that higher education institutions are essential civic anchors in a small state where institutional relationships tend to be close-knit and consequential.

Demographics

Delaware Today magazine has provided coverage of the state's demographic trends, reflecting the evolving composition of its population. The magazine has reported on the growth of Delaware's Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities, particularly in urban centers such as Wilmington and Dover, drawing on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and interviews with community leaders to offer readers a grounded understanding of the state's changing social landscape. These features have explored the cultural contributions of newer communities, the challenges associated with integration and access to services, and the ways in which demographic change is reshaping Delaware's political and civic environment.

In addition to racial and ethnic demographics, Delaware Today has addressed economic and geographic disparities within the state. The income and opportunity gaps between Wilmington's urban core and the more prosperous suburban communities of northern New Castle County, as well as differences between the economically varied counties, have all received attention. The magazine has featured stories on immigrants and refugees in Delaware, highlighting their contributions to local industries, schools, and cultural institutions. It has also addressed the demographic pressures facing rural Sussex County, which has experienced both agricultural decline in some sectors and rapid residential growth, particularly along its coastal corridor.

Parks and Recreation

Delaware Today magazine has consistently highlighted the state's parks and recreational resources, emphasizing their role in promoting public health, environmental stewardship, and community life. The magazine has covered the Delaware State Parks system, which encompasses beaches, forests, wetlands, and historic properties across all three counties, and has included practical guides to specific parks such as Cape Henlopen State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, and Trap Pond State Park — the latter home to a notable stand of bald cypress trees. These features inform readers about available recreational opportunities and encourage engagement with Delaware's natural spaces.

In addition to state parks, Delaware Today has explored local recreation initiatives, trail systems, and waterway programs that extend the state's recreational infrastructure into communities. The magazine has documented the work of organizations such as the Delaware Nature Society in preserving natural habitats and promoting environmental education. Coverage of community-led conservation events, clean-up efforts along the Delaware Bay and its tributaries, and the protection of migratory bird habitats reflects the