Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE): Club History

Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE) Club History

Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE) Club Mission Statement: Since it's foundation in 2002,the club's mission statement remains true to this day: to unite all otaku in and around Delaware; to share the passion of anime with one another in one place, as often as possible.

The original club, Delaware Anime Fans (DAF), was founded on September 25,2002. The group functioned as a web based club until late summer of 2003 when the first gathering of people met at the founder's house for a viewing of Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Movie, Devil Hunter Yohko and Variable Geo. Meetings were continued off and on throughout the remainder of the year until early 2004. From there the group shifted its meetings to the 4W5 Cafe in downtown Wilmington, DE and remained there until moving, once again, to our current location, The Rogue's Den in Claymont, DE.

As time went on, it became more and more difficult to control the club with the opinions of too many chiefs and not enough Indians. It was also a problem when people from Southern DE were not able to attend any meetings. After being convinced of failure, the founder decided to temporarily pass the torch to a new chief in order for them to carry the duties of the club: To unite all otaku in Delaware.

In late 2004, a second meeting site was established in southern Delaware and elections were held to find a replacement for the founder, who was moving away. However, after moving back later that year, the founder realized that the group's name had been dropped and was now operating under the name Delaware Anime Society. Their mission statement contradicted Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE)' mission and two separate clubs were formed, acting as one so it would be easier for the members to attend the meetings. When the founder realized this, she was not too pleased. She decided to re-open Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE) for herself and a select few other members who felt that the old group was, in their opinion, more suited for them.

This is where our club stands today, with over 200 members. There are other stories involving what has happened in the past, but it is up to you to decide what you want to believe. The point is that Delaware Asian Culture Enthusiasts (DACE) continues to operate to this day and is always looking for new faces and ideas. Our mission is to provide one convenient location for all fans of anime in and around the state of Delaware to the best of our ability. We accept members of any age, gender or any other demographic you can think of. We will always try our best to provide an anime centered environment for all to enjoy.

(Click on the thumbnails to view larger)
DACE at the 4w5 Cafe : Taken by Lataha James

DACE at the Rogue's Den: Taken by Jason Medaris

DACE Meeting at the Hockessin Library: Taken by Latasha James

DACE Meeting at the Newark Library : Taken by Latasha James