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Former President Joe Biden has chosen his longtime home state of Delaware as the site of his presidential library, his foundation confirmed Saturday. The project will be guided by a 13-member governance board made up of former aides, political allies and close friends.
The Joe and Jill Biden Foundation approved the board this week. Members include former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ex-White House adviser Steve Ricchetti, former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, and Democratic fundraiser Rufus Gifford, who will serve as board chair.
A senior foundation official said the project will be a “vibrant and lasting space where history, learning, and civic leadership come together, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and strengthen our nation.”
Why Delaware, not Pennsylvania
Though Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the state often invoked in his political narrative, he ultimately chose Delaware — where his political career began. Biden was first elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970 and later spent 36 years in the Senate representing the state before serving as Barack Obama’s vice president.
“Delaware propelled his entire political career,” Gifford said.
Gov. Matt Meyer praised the decision: “To Delaware, he will always be our favorite son. The new presidential library here will give future generations the chance to see his story of resilience, family, and never forgetting your roots.”
Planning and fundraising challenges
The Biden library is still in early planning stages, with cost estimates not yet finalized. Gifford predicted the price tag would fall “somewhere in the middle” between the $43 million George H.W. Bush Library and the $1.6 billion Obama Presidential Center now under construction in Chicago.
Raising those funds could prove difficult. Biden’s party is divided over its post-presidency direction, and some traditional donors may hesitate given Trump’s continued attacks on Democratic-aligned institutions.
“We’re not going to create a budget or a goal we don’t believe we can hit,” Gifford told the Associated Press.
Private fundraising will finance construction and programming, as is customary for presidential libraries.
What the library will include
Early concepts envision an immersive museum highlighting Biden’s four years in office, along with a hub for leadership, service and civic engagement. The facility is expected to include educational space and host policy events.
Biden advisers have met with the operators of nearly every existing presidential library, along with Obama Foundation leaders, to study programming and location strategies. Discussions are underway with Delaware officials on potential sites and partnerships.
Trump’s parallel planning
While Biden’s project advances, President Donald Trump — now in his second term — has also gestured toward a future library. Trump has earmarked millions from legal settlements with media companies and accepted a donated Air Force One replacement plane from Qatar for eventual display, similar to the aircraft featured at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
