Biden Presidential Library to Rise in Delaware: Former President Launches Plans With Allies and Aides

Wilmington, Delaware — Former President Joe Biden has formally decided to establish his presidential library in his home state of Delaware, a move that both honors his personal roots and cements his political legacy. Biden has tapped a trusted circle of former aides, longtime friends, and political allies to spearhead the fundraising and site-selection efforts for what will become the central archive of his career and presidency.

Delaware Chosen as Home

Unlike some of his predecessors who chose major metropolitan hubs or prestigious universities, Biden’s decision to root his library in Delaware underscores his enduring connection to the state he has called home for more than half a century.

“For Joe, Delaware isn’t just a place on the map,” said a former staffer who worked on his Senate campaigns. “It’s his foundation. It’s where his story began, and it’s where he wants it remembered.”

The library will be the first presidential institution in Delaware, immediately marking it as a site of national historical significance.

The Mission Ahead

Early plans call for the presidential library to include a museum documenting Biden’s political journey, from his election to the U.S. Senate in 1972 through his decades as vice president and president. It will also house archives of official documents, speeches, and personal papers, as well as serve as an educational hub for scholars, students, and the public.

But before the first stone is laid, the project faces a monumental task: fundraising. According to estimates, modern presidential libraries can cost upwards of $500 million, requiring years of sustained financial and organizational effort.

Biden has assembled a team of former aides and confidantes to lead the charge, including veterans of his 2020 campaign and senior White House staff.

Fundraising Challenge

Raising the necessary funds will not be easy, especially in a polarized political climate. Donors will be asked to contribute not only to honor Biden’s legacy but also to support a center that, according to early proposals, will focus on issues central to his presidency: restoring democratic institutions, climate action, and strengthening America’s middle class.

“Joe Biden’s presidential library must reflect the themes he fought for,” said one Democratic strategist familiar with the plans. “It’s not just about looking back. It’s about inspiring the next generation.”

The fundraising committee is expected to court both traditional Democratic donors and corporate partners, though transparency and ethics standards will be closely scrutinized.

Site Selection Underway

Finding the right location in Delaware will be equally critical. Several potential sites are reportedly under review, including options in Wilmington and near the University of Delaware, Biden’s alma mater.

Planners hope to select a site that is both accessible to the public and capable of handling the millions of visitors a presidential library typically attracts over decades.

Local officials have expressed enthusiasm. Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki hailed the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to boost tourism, education, and civic pride.

Legacy at Stake

For Biden, the presidential library represents more than bricks and mortar. It is the institution that will preserve his legacy, frame his presidency for future generations, and serve as a platform for the causes he championed.

“Every president knows that their library is the story history will tell about them,” said historian Douglas Brinkley. “For Biden, it’s a chance to highlight his resilience, his long career of public service, and his belief in America’s promise.”

The library will also stand alongside those of Barack Obama in Chicago, George W. Bush in Texas, and others, offering scholars and citizens alike a unique perspective on an era defined by global crises, political polarization, and the fight to restore American unity.

Friends and Allies Rally

Former aides who have joined the effort describe Biden as deeply invested in the project but also pragmatic about the challenges ahead.

“Joe knows this is a heavy lift,” said one longtime adviser. “But he also knows the importance of doing it right. He wants a place where people can learn, reflect, and be inspired.”

Community Impact

Beyond preserving history, the presidential library is expected to have a transformative impact on Delaware itself. Economists predict it could generate hundreds of jobs during construction and bring millions in tourism revenue once operational.

Local educators see an even deeper value. “Imagine Delaware students walking into a world-class museum about a man from their own state who became president,” said Dr. Carla Jenkins, a Wilmington high school principal. “That’s powerful.”

Looking Forward

As fundraising begins and site deliberations intensify, Biden’s presidential library project is at the earliest stages of a long and complex journey. Yet its announcement has already electrified Delaware, promising to put the state firmly on the map of presidential history.

For a man whose political career began on the Amtrak commutes between Wilmington and Washington, the decision to root his legacy in Delaware feels not just symbolic but deeply personal.

“This library will be a testament to where he came from,” said one family friend. “And a reminder that you don’t have to come from the biggest state or the wealthiest background to make history.”