Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights

08/28/2026

“Among the Hills and Mills: The Garrett Family Story”

The story of Yorklyn is written in its mills, its landscape, and the families who shaped them. Local history can tell us a lot when we look at the impact of families like the Garretts and Marshalls. Across generations, their farms, mills, businesses, and innovations helped shape the Red Clay Valley and the community we know today.

Stop by the Marshall Steam Museum Thursdays and Fridays from 1–4 PM to explore the new exhibit and learn more about the people and industries that shaped Yorklyn.

Want to dive deeper? Join us for Red Clay Day on September 20, when volunteer Robert Wilhelm will present a special talk exploring the history behind the exhibit.

Talks will be held at 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM on September 20.

Come see the exhibit, hear the stories, and discover how the history of families like the Garretts and Marshalls helped shape the valley we call home.

08/22/2026

What a wonderful afternoon at Auburn Heights!

Today, we had the pleasure of gathering with our incredible volunteers for a picnic at the Auburn Heights Mansion. We love getting together with our volunteers—not only to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company, but also to celebrate and thank them for everything they do for the Marshall Steam Museum and Auburn Heights.

From running trains and giving tours to helping with events, programs, maintenance, and so much more, our volunteers are the heart of what we do. We couldn’t do it without you! 🚂❤️

Thank you for your time, talent, dedication, and continued support. We’re so grateful to have such an amazing volunteer family!

08/20/2026

Looking for something special for your garden? Stop by the Iris Sale at our next Steamin’ Day on Sunday September 6th!

Gardens have long been an important part of the beauty and history of Auburn Heights. In the 1930s, Esther Shallcross Marshall transformed the landscape with stunning rock gardens inspired by the natural beauty of the region. Winding stone paths, flowing water features, colorful perennials, flowering shrubs, and hundreds of spring blooms—including iris, daffodils, lilies of the valley, and phlox—created a spectacular display that attracted visitors from near and far.

Today, the gardens remain a testament to the Marshall family’s passion for horticulture and their dedication to creating a landscape where history and nature flourish together.

Take home a piece of that gardening tradition! Browse our selection of iris at the next Steamin’ Day and add a little Auburn Heights history to your own garden. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Auburn Heights.

08/18/2026

We hope to see you all at the last Summer Nights at Hagley Museum and Library of the season on Wednesday the 19th from 5 to 8pm. Stop by our table to say hi and learn what we have going on the rest of the year!

One final summer evening along the Brandywine. ☀️

Join us Wednesday, August 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. for the final Summer Nights at Hagley of the 2026 season.

Enjoy live acoustic music from singer-songwriter John Palombo and grab dinner from Claymont Steak Shop, serving its classic cheesesteaks and sandwiches. Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream and canned craft beer and cocktails from our presenting sponsor, Dogfish Head, will also be available.

This week’s community partner is Waggies by Maggie & Friends

Admission is $5 per person and free for Hagley Members and children five and younger. Tickets are available at the gate. Bring your dog, bring your bike, and help us give the season a memorable sendoff!

📍 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807

Please note that Summer Nights is weather dependent. Check Hagley’s website or social pages before heading out.

08/13/2026

And just like that, our 2026 camp season has pulled into the station!

Yesterday, we closed out another fantastic summer of hands-on learning, and what a way to finish! Campers from FIVE different states joined us for a day of railroad adventure during Engineer Express Camp.

Our campers got to experience the many sides of railroading—from helping assemble new sections of track and practicing with full-sized rail, to exploring locomotive history and learning how to operate one of our diesel engines. It was a busy day filled with teamwork, new skills, and plenty of time on the rails!

A huge thanks to all of our amazing volunteers who shared their time and expertise throughout the summer. Your dedication helps make these camps such a memorable experience for the next generation of railroad enthusiasts.

We’re already looking forward to seeing what next summer brings.

08/10/2026

Long before beach traffic apps and smartphones, T. Clarence Marshall packed up his camera to capture family vacations along the coast. From carefree days in the sand to leisurely strolls on the boardwalk, these snapshots remind us that while the fashions may have changed, the joy of a summer escape remains timeless.

Photo 1 (1912): T. Clarence Marshall and Esther Marshall together at Rehoboth Beach.

Photo 2 (1912): T. Clarence Marshall and companions spending time at Rehoboth Beach.

Photo 3 (1912): A bustling view of the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk more than 100 years ago.

Photo 4 (1930): Leonard Finley, Thomas Marshall Jr., and Patty Finley enjoying another summer visit to Rehoboth Beach.

Photo 5 (1910): Left to right: an unknown woman, Warren Marshall, Bertha Marshall, Esther Shallcross, Eugene Shallcross (Esther's brother), and two unidentified women enjoying a day at the shore.

Photos courtesy of the T. Clarence Marshall Photograph Collection, Hagley Digital Archives

Have you made it "down the shore" yet this summer? Tell us your favorite beach destination in the comments!

08/07/2026

An update from our friends at Auburn Valley State Park

08/03/2026

A new month and another fantastic Steamin' Day is in the books!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of history in motion, hands-on fun, and unforgettable experiences at Auburn Heights. From steam-powered demonstrations to train rides and exploring the museum grounds, it was a wonderful day spent with our community.

We're sharing a few of our favorite moments from the day! If you joined us, we'd love to see the day through your eyes—share your favorite photos in the comments below!

A special thank you goes to our incredible team of dedicated volunteers. Your enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment make each Steamin' Day possible, and we couldn't do it without you.

If you weren't able to join us this month, don't worry—there are just THREE Steamin' Days remaining this season! We hope to see you at one (or all!) of our remaining events before the season comes to a close.

08/03/2026

All aboard for the ride! There's nothing quite like experiencing a Steamin' Day from the rails of the Auburn Valley Railroad. From winding through the beautiful Auburn Valley to the sights, sounds, and smiles along the way, every trip is a reminder that history is best experienced in motion.

Missed this month's event? Don't worry—there are only three Steamin' Days left this season, and you won't want to miss the fun!

07/28/2026

We're excited to be part of another Summer Nights at Hagley tomorrow evening!

Stop by our table to say hello, learn more about the Marshall Steam Museum, and discover everything happening at Auburn Heights this summer—including Steamin' Day this Sunday, August 2! 🚂

We can't wait to see familiar faces and meet some new friends. If you're planning to attend, let us know in the comments!

Summer Nights at Hagley continues this Wednesday, July 29, from 5 to 8 p.m.!

Enjoy live music from @hannapaigemusic, bringing acoustic favorites and familiar covers to the evening. Grab dinner from , serving up delicious slow-smoked barbecue.

Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream and canned craft beer and cocktails from our presenting sponsor, Dogfish Head will also be available.

This week’s community partners are Waggies by Maggie & Friends , Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights, and .

Admission is $5 and free for Hagley Members and children five and younger. Bring your dog for a walk along the Brandywine or your bike for a relaxing ride through history.

📍 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19807

Please note that Summer Nights is a weather-dependent event.