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Delaware Women's Hall of Fame

The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1981 to recognize the achievements of outstanding Delaware women and their contributions to communities across the state and beyond. The induction ceremony is the oldest annual celebration of its kind commemorating Delaware women. Women inducted into the Hall of Fame represent a variety of professional fields and backgrounds, including artists, athletes, community advocates, military personnel, public servants, and scientists. Nominees are eligible if they have built a sustainable legacy that continues to create meaningful impact at the local, state, or national level, their leadership has inspired others, and they are a Delaware native or have resided in the state for at least 10 years during their lifetime.

To see who has already been inducted, check out the full list of the incredible women in the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame.

Our 2026 Inductees

Each year, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee undertakes one of the state’s most meaningful responsibilities: selecting the next class of honorees. Once public applications are submitted, the committee engages in an intensive review process, reading more than 50 nominations and examining hundreds of pages of supporting documentation.

Guided by a detailed scoring rubric, the committee carefully evaluates each nominee’s achievements, leadership, impact, and contributions to Delaware. Their work demands time, expertise, and careful judgment as they determine which extraordinary women will be inducted.

After the committee completes its deliberations, the honorees are usually announced in mid to late July. The fall induction ceremony then brings the community together for a formal dinner reception and awards program, an evening that celebrates the women whose leadership and service continue to shape Delaware’s past, present, and future.