Celebrating Labor and Local Workers with Special Collections

Labor is woven into the history of Delaware—shaped by the people whose skill, dedication and advocacy built industries, strengthened communities and helped define the region.

In honor of Labor Day, this pop-up exhibition from the University of Delaware Library’s Special Collections explores the history of the Chrysler Newark Assembly Plant and the Delaware workers who powered its success for decades.

Drawing from records preserved from the former plant, Chrysler employees and Delaware congressional collections, the exhibition highlights the role of the United Auto Workers local, the experiences of workers and the efforts of Delaware government officials who advocated for local jobs and economic opportunity.

Through photographs, documents and archival materials, Celebrating Labor and Local Workers with Special Collections offers a glimpse into the people, places and partnerships that shaped Delaware’s labor history and reminds us of the enduring impact of workers on our communities.

This exhibition is on view August 25 through November 6, 2026, in the Morris Library Information Room. The exhibition is free and open to the public during the Library’s regular hours.