Welcome to the Friends of Fort DuPont

The Friends of Fort DuPont is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located on the Fort DuPont campus in Delaware City, DE. Our mission is to engage in community revitalization, preserve Fort DuPont’s resources, and economic development through arts and cultural enrichment.

Request for Proposals

Now Seeking an Architectural Design Team for the Fort DuPont Theater

The Friends of Fort DuPont is seeking a qualified architectural design team to help shape the future of the historic War Department Theater in Delaware City.

Built in 1933 as part of the WPA era, the Theater is one of Fort DuPont’s most recognizable historic buildings. The Friends are advancing its rehabilitation and adaptive reuse as a vibrant cultural, performance, and community gathering space—while preserving the character and significance that make it such an important part of Fort DuPont.

We are looking for a team with demonstrated experience in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, cultural or civic facilities, and collaborative design. This is an exciting opportunity to help bring new life to a landmark building and support the continued revitalization of Fort DuPont.

Request for Qualifications Released: June 29, 2026
Questions Due: July 20, 2026
Qualifications Due: July 31, 2026
Anticipated Award: August 28, 2026

The selection process is qualifications-based. Firms are not asked to submit fee information at this stage.

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Opportunity

Our Focus Areas

At the Friends of Fort DuPont, we are focused on enriching the following areas for the community we serve:

ACRES ON CAMPUS

Historic Structures

Board Members

Thoughts from our Board

We asked our Board Members what the Friends of Fort DuPont means to them. Check out their answers below.

Fort DuPont represents a unique opportunity. We aim to create a hub for socialization, community, and artistic expression while honoring its historic military past by bringing the buildings and grounds to life through public events. By providing arts and cultural events, we can restore the vibrancy and sense of community this land experienced throughout the majority of its existence rather than just providing passive restorations.

Fort DuPont was once my home, part of my job, and forever now a part of my heart. The little girl whose daddy was the post’s Quartermaster moved here in 1929 because Uncle Sam said so- and became my friend 75 years later. The 18-year old German captured outside of Normandy came here as an unwilling guest of the US government and later became my pen pal. Both of them loved this place. I carry with me a sense of responsibility to Fort DuPont- to work to ensure that both the nature and history are preserved and shared.

Communities thrive where a sense of place is valued and celebrated. As The Friends, we can help celebrate "Place" at Fort duPont by ensuring access to the beauty of the riverfront environment, embracing the opportunity to tell an engaging story about the architecture while protecting it, and creating a welcoming environment for living, learning and enjoying the rich multi-faceted history Fort duPont has to share. I am grateful for the opportunity to become a part of this organization.

As someone who values history, tradition, and preserving the character of our communities, Fort DuPont represents more than just a physical space—it’s a living piece of our state’s story. I joined this board because I believe in restoring and honoring that legacy while helping breathe new life into the area through meaningful, community-driven revitalization. It’s about preserving the past while building a future that respects it.

I believe the Friends of Fort DuPont helps embrace Delaware's rich cultural tapestry by honoring our heritage, leveraging our natural landscape, and advocating for the tools necessary to foster our vibrant communities and continue with defining our unique contemporary character.

My family relocated to Fort DuPont in the hopes of providing a sense of community for our neurodiverse son. As residents of Fort DuPont, we found a friendly, accepting and diverse community. We enjoy the natural surroundings and the historical setting the Fort offers. We look forward to the future growth of this community and will enthusiastically embrace the revitalization of the Fort while caring for and preserving its past glory and history.

Being part of Friends of Fort DuPont means helping to create something truly special—a place where the arts thrive, nature is protected, and history is honored. This is a rare opportunity to reimagine a historic site as a vibrant cultural and ecological destination, enriching lives while preserving the character and beauty that make Fort DuPont unique.