Johnson Victrola Museum

10/27/2026

Johnson Victrola Museum Connects Jazz and Hip Hop!

Read below for more details and photos from the fourth annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit hosted by the Delaware Art Museum!

10/07/2026

The Johnson Victrola Museum, founded in honor of the famous Delawarean and music entrepreneur, Eldrige Reeves Johnson, reopens in November following renovations to preserve the collection for future generations. Originally opened in 1967 by the Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), the museum is home to a sprawling collection of victrolas and related memorabilia and remains a testament to Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit and invention which secured Delaware’s place in American music history.

The reopening follows building-wide upgrades to several major systems including plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, some of which had not been upgraded in 20-25 years. New LED lighting, to prevent the damaging effects of ultraviolet light, will preserve the machines and artifacts on display and make the exhibit space appear brighter, while conserving energy. The renovation also resulted in a new wheelchair accessible restroom on the main floor.

The Historical and Cultural Affairs Collections Team (CAD-Curation and Design) who safely packed, removed and stored display items, carefully returned the exhibits which includes 61 Victrolas, over 100 sculptures and renderings of Nipper, an iconic dog whose penchant for leaning in and listening to music cemented his status as the enduring symbol of the Johnson Victrola company. Other items visitors can view include historic advertising, a 5-foot-tall Nipper statue, and Eldridge Johnson’s posthumous Grammy award!

Click the link below to read more!

https://history.delaware.gov/2026/09/28/the-victrola-museum-in-dover-reopens-this-month/

08/31/2026

We miss our visitors! Here are some behind the scenes photos of what has been going on the past several months.

From moving all of the objects out of the museum to starting the demo process, a lot has been happening.

When it is all complete the museum will be back better than ever!

See you this Fall.

08/03/2026

In tandem with the ongoing semiquincentennial celebrations, The Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) presents unique historic program offerings across all three Delaware counties.

Click the link below to learn more!

DOVER, Del. –– In tandem with the ongoing semiquincentennial celebrations, The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) presents unique historic program offerings across all three Delaware counties. Visitors young […]

07/31/2026

HCA announces New Hires: Deputy Director, Communications Manager/PIO and Site Supervisor of historic New Castle site, Cooch’s Bridge.

07/06/2026

The Johnson Victrola Museum, opened in 1967 by the Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), is home to a large collection of victrolas and related memorabilia and is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation.

Despite the construction and site closure, the Museum still was an active part of Dover Days in May represented by a portable Victrola Museum display on the Green at the Old State House.

Click the link below to read more!

Johnson Victrola Museum, established in honor of E. R. Johnson’s legacy as a businessman and pioneer in the recording industry, undergoes renovation.

05/27/2026

Since we are currently closed for renovations, it seems like an appropriate time to reflect and share this flashback photo. Here is an image of JVM during its early construction phase.

Description: A crane sets roof trusses for the Johnson Memorial Building (Johnson Victrola Museum). This negative was taken in the morning of August 15, 1966.

Photo via: Delaware Public Archives

05/08/2026

Do our visitors miss us? Because we miss you!

Enjoy some images we took before all the museum items were boxed and sealed prior to the move.

We look forward to seeing everyone again this Fall. When we have more information, we will share on our main page along with Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs page!

See you all soon.