At the base of the Pennsylvania and Maryland foothills, Scots-Irish and Welsh settlers began, in the early 1700's, to build a small community. The crossroads of the village center, named Newark, followed the routes of old Indian and fur-trader's paths and served as the road to market for farmers. In 1758, Newark received a charter from the King of England, and the City was officially established. Newark's history was significantly shaped by the growth of a school. In 1765, a grammar school moved here from New London, Pa., and was renamed the Newark Academy. In 1833, the State granted a charter to a new school, called Newark College. The next year, the two schools joined together and soon assumed the name Delaware College, becoming the University of Delaware in 1921.

The Brandywine River winds from Southeastern Pennsylvania into Delaware carving out the beautiful rolling hills and valleys that are the landmarks of the Brandywine Valley. The Valley is where the Battle of Brandywine was fought, where the Du Pont's made their fortunes, built a company, and their mansions and gardens at Longwood, Winterthur, Hagley and Nemours that attract millions of visitors from around the world. It's where Howard Pyle was born and established his Brandywine School of American illustration that helped to shape the works of Frank Schoonover, N. C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and others. It's where three generations of Wyeths have painted and documented the landscapes and people of Chadds Ford. And where today, tradition, history, innovation, art and discovery keep company.