A new chapter in Delaware’s public memory is about to be written: on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., the State of Delaware will unveil a historical marker honoring Brinkley Hill, a historic free Black community just north of Camden known for its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad.
The event will take place at Caesar Rodney High School, 239 Old North Road, Camden, Delaware, near the site where the Brinkley family once lived. State and local officials, historians, and descendants of the Brinkley family will be present.
(Official announcement)
🎥 Video: Learning the Brinkley Story
To give readers an immediate sense of Brinkley Hill’s legacy, embed this educational video on the Brinkley brothers’ role in the Underground Railroad:
“Underground Railroad Heroes | William and Nathaniel Brinkley”
This short documentary segment highlights the Brinkley brothers’ courageous work in guiding enslaved people to freedom.
A Community Rooted in Freedom and Faith
Brinkley Hill emerged in the early 19th century as one of Delaware’s earliest free Black settlements. It became a beacon for freedom seekers traveling northward.
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William Brinkley (c. 1800s–1870s) is credited with helping more than 100 enslaved people reach freedom, often at great personal risk.
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His brother Nathaniel Brinkley worked alongside him as a guide and advocate.
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Brinkley Hill residents established a local schoolhouse and contributed to founding the Zion AME Church, cementing the community’s role as a hub for faith and education.
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Oral histories suggest Harriet Tubman herself found shelter in the Brinkley settlement during some of her journeys north.
(Delaware Public Archives event page)
The Ceremony
The unveiling will feature remarks from:
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State and local officials who supported the marker application
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Historians highlighting the site’s significance
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Brinkley family descendants sharing stories passed down through generations
The marker will stand as a permanent reminder of the courage, solidarity, and resilience of the people of Brinkley Hill.
📸 Coming Soon: Photos & Family Voices
This article will be updated after the event with:
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Photographs from the ceremony and the marker itself
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Archival and family photos provided by descendants of the Brinkley family
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Quotes and reflections from relatives about the meaning of this recognition
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Audio or video clips from speakers at the unveiling
A contributor who is directly related to the Brinkley family has promised to share personal materials, which will give this story a deeply human dimension.
Why This Marker Matters
The installation of a historical marker does more than preserve history — it elevates voices that have long been overlooked.
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It confirms the historical presence and contributions of free Black communities in Delaware.
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It highlights the Underground Railroad network’s critical links through Kent County, connecting Delaware to the national story of emancipation.
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It helps educate today’s residents and visitors, offering place-based learning that can inspire future generations.
Stay Connected
Readers can return to this page after the ceremony for fresh photos, interviews, and a fuller portrait of Brinkley Hill’s legacy.
Have your own story, document, or photo connected to Brinkley Hill? Contact us at [Contact Form] or tag us on Instagram (@delawareblackcom) so we can add your piece of history to this growing record.
