Friends of Fort DuPont · Preservation & community
Fort DuPont Theater
A historic gathering place. A new chapter for arts, culture and community in Delaware City.
Preserving history · Creating a future for the arts
Help bring the Fort DuPont Theater back to life
Built in 1933, the theater once brought military personnel, families and neighbors together. Friends of Fort DuPont is helping restore its historic character while creating an accessible home for performances, arts and community gatherings.
The estimated $8 million restoration is in planning and design—not an announced reopening. Voith & Mactavish Architects leads the design, with theater-planning expertise from Schuler Shook. Friends reports more than $200,000 in grants for design services and progress on exterior doors and windows. The planned work also addresses building systems, accessibility and audience comfort.
Official theater restoration updatesWays to support the restoration
Friends is seeking grant funding, sponsorships and private contributions, alongside volunteers and community ideas. Contact Friends through its theater page about sponsorships or a theater-directed gift; its general donation form does not specify that every gift is reserved for the theater.
Share your vision for the theater
An anonymous, 7–9 minute survey asks about performances, events, amenities and accessibility. It closes . Feedback informs planning; it does not guarantee a particular feature or program.
Take the theater surveyMeet Friends and the architects at a free public listening session: , 6–8 p.m., at Delaware City Fire Hall, 815 5th Street, Delaware City, DE. Check the official page for changes before attending.
Restoration details and participation dates: Friends of Fort DuPont, checked October 29, 2026. Historic structures may be closed; follow posted access signs.