GOVERNOR-ELECT MATT MEYER MOVES SWEARING-IN CEREMONY INDOORS. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW LOCATION. More Info

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GOVERNOR-ELECT MATT MEYER MOVES SWEARING-IN CEREMONY INDOORS

January 16, 2025

Forecasted temperatures requiring safety considerations

WILMINGTON— Today, Delaware Governor-elect Matt Meyer announced that he is changing the location for his swearing-in ceremony from Legislative Mall to the William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre at Delaware State University. With frigid temperatures in the forecast for Tuesday, January 21, the safety and comfort of attendees was top of mind for Governor-elect Meyer for this historic day. 

The ceremony will follow two weeks of events meant to celebrate his inauguration as governor, the diversity of our communities, and a new era of leadership for all Delawareans. All events are open to the public, but registration and/or tickets are required.

Additionally, the Inaugural Bike Ride on Saturday, January 18, will be postponed to a later date. 

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor-elect Meyer, please contact Mila Myles at mila.myles@delaware.gov. 

Schedule of Community-based Inaugural Celebration Events:

Saturday, January 18

  • VISITATION AND FUNERAL SERVICES FOR RICHARD “MOUSE” SMITH
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, along with friends, family, community leaders, and admirers of the revered late civil rights leader Richard “Mouse” Smith 
    • WHEN: 
      • Visitation: 10:00 am — 11:00 am ET
      • Funeral Services: 11:00 am
    • WHERE: Ezion Fair Baptist Church, 1400 B Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
    • WHAT: Governor-elect Matt Meyer will join in the celebration of the life of Richard Smith, a revered leader and prominent figure in the fight for civil rights, who passed away at his home on January 2, 2025. 
    • OBITUARY: https://www.wrightmortuary.com/obituaries/richard-smith
  • POSTPONED – INAUGURAL BIKE RIDE AT CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, community officials, and members of the public
    • WHEN: TBD at a later date 
    • WHERE:  15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
    • WHAT: Governor-elect Matt Meyer will lead an out-and-back bike ride with community leaders and members of the public invited to attend.

Sunday, January 19

  • FIRST LADY OF DELAWARE INAUGURAL BRUNCH
    • WHO: Incoming First Lady Lauren Meyer, community leaders, members of the public
    • WHEN: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm ET
    • WHERE:  Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, 1301 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
    • WHAT: Incoming First Lady of Delaware Lauren Meyer will host a brunch event featuring community leaders from across the state. The event is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. 
    • PUBLIC TICKET LINK: https://bit.ly/FLODbrunch 
    • MEDIA RSVP: Please contact mila.myles@delaware.gov if you’re interested in covering the brunch and/or scheduling a one-on-one interview with the First Lady. 

Monday, January 20 

  • INTERFAITH BREAKFAST
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer and religious leaders from across Delaware
    • WHEN: 8:30 am – 10:30 am ET
    • WHERE:  The Parlors at Delaware State University, Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, 1200 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
    • WHAT: Governor-elect Meyer will be joined by religious leaders of various faiths to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrate Delaware’s new era of leadership. 
    • PUBLIC TICKET LINK: https://bit.ly/MeyerInterfaith 
    • MEDIA RSVP: https://bit.ly/MediaMeyerInterfaith 

Schedule of Service Events: 

Community Collection Events

  • DONATION DRIVES BENEFITING MILFORD ADVOCACY FOR THE HOMELESS AND LOVE INC.
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, community leaders, and AmeriCorps Delaware members
    • WHERE: Various locations across Sussex County
    • WHAT: Donation drive for essential items
      • Warm clothing (coats, hats, gloves, scarves)
      • Hand warmers
      • Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products)
      • Non-perishable food and drinks
      • To-go meal kits
    • WHEN: Collection Schedule
      • Monday, January 13 through Friday, January 17: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
  • State Service Centers in Sussex County, including Milford (Annex), Adams, Pyle, Shipley, Bridgeville, and Laurel.
  • Tuesday, January 14: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Adams State Service Center, 546 South Bedford Street, Georgetown.
  • Registration Link: 
  • Saturday, January 18: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • The donation drive continues alongside Governor-elect Meyer. 
  • Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, DE 19973. 

Service Projects

  • SUSSEX COUNTY – Donation Drive in Seaford
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, community leaders, and AmeriCorps Delaware members
    • WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – exact timing subject to change
    • WHERE: Shipley Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, DE 19973. 
    • WHAT: Sorting and packing donations alongside Governor-elect Meyer. 
    • PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK: Contact ann.gorrin@delaware.gov to register.
      • Space is limited to 65 volunteers, and some activities will be outdoors.
    • MEDIA RSVP:  Please RSVP to mila.myles@delaware.gov.
  • KENT COUNTY – Towne Point Elementary School Project
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, community leaders, and AmeriCorps Delaware members
    • WHEN: Sunday, January 19, 2025, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET
      • Volunteers will have two slots available: 9:00 AM–11:30 AM and 11:30 AM–2:00 PM 
    • WHERE: Towne Point Elementary School, 629 Buckson Dr, Dover, DE 19901 
    • WHAT: Towne Point Elementary School Service Project: Governor-elect Meyer will lead a volunteer team to revitalize Towne Point Elementary School, creating a welcoming environment for students and staff. Volunteers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
    • PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK: https://TownePointServiceProject.eventbrite.com 
    • MEDIA RSVP:  Please RSVP to mila.myles@delaware.gov.
  • NEW CASTLE COUNTY – 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer, community leaders, and AmeriCorps Delaware members
    • WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2025, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM ET
    • WHERE: Jefferson Street Center, 1801 Jefferson Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
    • WHAT: Volunteers will honor Dr. King’s legacy of positive change through community service in collaboration with multiple community partners.
    • PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK: westsidegrows.org/mlkday
    • MEDIA RSVP: Please RSVP to mila.myles@delaware.gov. 
    • EVENT SCHEDULE:
    • Community Cleanup: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
      • Cleaning residential areas around the Jefferson Street Center.
    • Peace March: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
      • March through key Wilmington landmarks.
    • Celebration & Done-In-A-Day Service Projects: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
      • Family activities, local business shopping, and service projects hosted by community organizations.
      • Special Features: The celebration includes musical performances, guest speakers, and interactive activities for all ages. Volunteers can pre-register at westsidegrows.org/mlkday and explore additional opportunities to host service projects or participate in the Small Business Marketplace. 

Schedule of Inauguration Day Events

Tuesday, January 21 – Inauguration Day

  • Swearing-In Ceremony
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer and Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
    • WHEN: 9:30 am ET 
    • WHERE: William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre at Delaware State University, 1200 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
    • WHAT: Governor-elect Matt Meyer and Lt. Governor-elect Gay will take the formal oath of office at the William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre at Delaware State University in Dover. State legislators, elected officials, and dignitaries from across the nation will attend the ceremony, which will be open to the public and live-streamed across various platforms for all Delawareans to watch. The event is open to the public, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
    • PUBLIC TICKET LINK: https://bit.ly/MeyerInauguration 
    • MEDIA RSVP: https://bit.ly/MediaMeyerInauguration
  • Evening Reception – Inaugural Ball
    • WHO: Governor-elect Matt Meyer and Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
    • WHEN: 7:00 pm ET
    • WHERE: The Queen, 500 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
    • WHAT: The evening celebration will occur at The Queen in Wilmington. It will feature a special performance, speeches from notable figures, and an opportunity to reflect on the progress Delaware has made while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the years to come under the leadership of Governor-elect Meyer. The event is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. 
    • PUBLIC TICKET LINK: https://bit.ly/MeyerInauguralBall 
    • MEDIA RSVP: CLOSED PRESS

ABOUT DELAWARE GOVERNOR-ELECT MATT MEYER

Governor-elect Matt Meyer is a former public school math teacher and small business owner who has served as New Castle County Executive since 2017. As the leader of Delaware’s largest local government, Matt has proven that government can still work for the people–delivering real results for real people and making real progress for Delaware’s working families. Governor-elect Meyer will bring that same result-driven leadership across our state by creating an effective government that reflects our values and priorities. 

From Wilmington to Kenya and Iraq: Growing up in Delaware, Matt attended schools in the Brandywine School District, followed by Wilmington Friends School, and then studied Computer Science & Political Science at Brown University. He then moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he learned Swahili and created Ecosandals, a recycled footwear company that sold environmentally friendly footwear to customers in 17 countries on five continents.  Matt subsequently spent 12 months in Mosul, Iraq, as a diplomat embedded with the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

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