Wilmington 1968 is a community-wide reflection 50 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Following Dr. King’s death, an emotional public response and demonstrations led to a nine-month occupation of Wilmington, Delaware by the National Guard – the longest occupation of an American city to date. Over the past year, community representatives and organizations convened to discuss history preceding and following the events; responses then and now; and how collective work can improve life for all Wilmingtonians.

Scholars have collected stories, examined historical documents, digitized artifacts, created educational opportunities, and considered how the past has influenced the present. Throughout 2018, we invite the community to learn about local civil rights history, engage in dialogue, and become active participants in shaping Wilmington’s future.

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