Our History

Despite economic uncertainties and Civil War pressures, 10 men bravely proposed creating a bank for the working "Artisans" people. The founders contributed $4 each, totaling $40. They used $12 for a charter, 50 cents for a minute book, and the rest for stationery, leaving $1.93 as working capital. The charter was granted on February 28, 1861.

Artisans' Savings Bank opened for business on April 1, 1861, at 117 Market Street in Wilmington, with William S. Hillis as the Bank's first president.

Having grown beyond expectations, the bank moved to a new headquarters at 602 Market Street to accommodate its growing customer base.

The bank purchased the historic Indian Queen Hotel on the corner of Fifth and Market Streets and built the Clayton House on this site. For many years, the Clayton House enjoyed the reputation of being one of the finest hotels in the East, with the Bank occupying offices on its first floor.  

As the Bank continued to prosper, larger offices were needed - 505 Market Street was a prime location for Artisans’ Savings Bank for roughly 64 years. It is now the site of the Delaware Historical Society annex. 

The Bank opened the first of its branch offices.

Artisans' relocated to the historic former Goldey Beacom College building situated at the intersection of 9th and Tatnall Street.

The Bank's charter was modernized to meet future challenges. The word "Savings" was dropped from its name, and the products and services of Artisans' Bank grew and expanded to provide a full range of financial coverage for consumers, small businesses, and commercial customers.

The institution's continued growth and technological advances required a modern facility, which led the Bank to construct a new corporate headquarters complex at the Red Clay Center at Little Falls.

Artisans' Bank celebrated its 160th year of service to its customers and the communities, businesses, and residents of Delaware and the surrounding area. In addition, Elizabeth “Beth” Albano became the company's 12th President.