John: Any visitor to the Brandwine Valley should visit Hagley no matter what. The tour of the museum and of the powder making buildings, etc. gives a good picture of what went on there in the early days. The Dupont mansion is on the hill behind the powder making buildings...well within blast distance. There is parking, most likely for a RV. You may tour the large site using Hagley transportation or you may walk. It is a well organized presentation.\. Near the library on the grounds is a small restaurant. Makes a good half day tour. The location is quite to downtown Wilmington. I found the parking for the Historical Society Library not as convenient, but in a good parking deck. The folks at the library couldn't be more helpful. My research was not for the same time period as yours. Mine deals with colonial ancestors. If you have time and an interest in other history, I recommend a visit to Old Swede's Church. Happy hunting, Susie B in MI