Dave Tabler is a Delaware historian and author who uncovers overlooked stories through archival research and compelling visuals—connecting the First State to the broader American story.
Ten-year-old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the “R” volume of the family’s World Book Encyclopedia over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end—but he did become fascinated with Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and the Run for the Roses.
Encouraged by his father to try photography, Tabler staged early scenes with his younger brother—once outfitted in a straw hat and posed barefoot by a stream with a homemade fishing pole. The resulting image was… terrible. But the instinct to tell stories through images stuck.
After earning degrees in art history and photojournalism, Tabler contributed photography to The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics. The experience gave him hands-on exposure to museum curators, collectors, and historical artifacts—and a deeper appreciation for the details that bring history to life.
In 2006, Tabler launched AppalachianHistory.net, which today attracts over 375,000 readers annually.
After moving to Delaware in 2010, Tabler turned his focus to the state’s rich and often overlooked past. Drawing on his background in visual storytelling and archival research, he began documenting Delaware’s history in a way that is both accessible and deeply rooted in original sources.
Today, Tabler is the author of multiple books on Delaware history and continues to share new discoveries through his writing, research, and public talks.
