In 1966, the Miss Delaware Pageant moved to Convention Hall in Rehoboth Beach, a resort oriented community similar to Atlantic City. For over 30 years the merchants and citizens of Rehoboth Beach and the State of Delaware have continued to support the largest scholarship foundation for women in the world.  In 2006 Miss Delaware Pageant moved to Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, the Capital of the First State.

In 1969, with the help of Senator Richard Cordrey, Miss Delaware became the Official Hostess to the state.

The original Rehoboth Beach franchise was held by the Chamber of Commerce and the pageant directors were chosen from its membership. In 1973, a board of directors was chosen and the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization was born. To this date a board holds the franchise.

In 1972, Catherine Lawton was the first Miss Delaware to be named as a Preliminary Talent Winner and selected for the top ten in the Miss America Pageant. She traveled with the U.S.O. Troupe overseas to entertain U.S. Servicemen. In 1976, Debora (Day) Lipford was also named to the top ten in the Miss America Pageant. Other state title holders have gone on to win swimsuit, congeniality and non-finalist talent awards.  Most recently, Miss Delaware 2008, Galen Giaccone was named as a Preliminary Talent Winner and selected for the top fifteen at the 2009 Miss America Pageant.

The Miss Delaware Pageant is a not-for-profit organization that is the official state preliminary for the Miss America Pageant. The Miss America Pageant is a scholarship-based program. Visit our History Page for more information! To learn more about Miss America visit www.missamerica.org.