Historical Sites

Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center

Phone: 410-860-9290 

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Built in 1838, the Chipman Center is the oldest standing African-American church on Delmarva. It occupies the site of a former open meadow where slaves gathered for worship. A plain one-story structure was built in 1838 for religious services and a day school. The church was identified as the African Methodist Church and informally known as the "Hill Church" or "Church on the Hill." The building was eventually expanded, and incorporated in 1876. Eventually the property was abandoned as a church, but educators Charles and Jeanette Chipman purchased the property and deeded it to the Newtown Association. Currently, visitors can enjoy the varierty of educational displays and cultural events highlighting our area's rich African-American Heritage.

Admission Fee: N/A
Hours of Operation: Call for hours.

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