March 9

 March 16

Delmarva Roots Film: Watermen More>>

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April 20

April 21

Online exhibit of the Button Cutting Industry in Milton

Have you ever considered what it takes to make mother-of-pearl buttons? Most modern buttons are produced in high tech factories yet not long ago buttons were handcrafted in a labor intensive process that was truly global.  The town of Milton, Delaware once was a hub of the button cutting industry.  The Milton Historical Society recently documented this unique industry in an online exhibit and digital kiosk in the Lydia Black Cannon Museum.  This project was funded with generous grants from the Delaware Humanities Forum and the Longwood Foundation.

Click here to learn more.  Or during your next visit to the museum try your hand at the new touch screen display.

Historical Society Completes $150,000 Challenge Drive

The Milton Historical Society successfully collected $150,000 in pledges to match Tom Draper’s $150,000 challenge.  The establishment of an endowment ensures the institution’s long-term success. A small percentage of the fund’s income will be used for annual operating expenses with the principal remaining untouched.  Donations towards the endowment are still gratefully accepted: Milton Historical Society, P. O. Box 112, Milton, DE 19968.For more information contact us at 302-684-1010 or info@historicmilton.org

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED TO THE ENDOWMENT!

In 2011 the Board of Trustees drafted a strategic plan to help tackle long-term challenges such as:  expanded exhibition and storage space for the growing artifact collection, funding conservation of the existing building and collections, and expansion of our school and adult educational programs.

Grants awarded 2007–2011

Longwood Foundation ($7700-2011) for development of exhibit on button making
Delaware Humanities Forum ($7000-2011) for digitization/development of exhibit on button making

Carl M. Freeman Foundation ($5000 FACES grant-2010) for development of an experience based walking tour for Sussex County children in grades 3-8
Delaware Humanities Forum ($4400-2008/2009) for development of audio walking tour
Sussex County Council ($16,000-2008) Community Development Funds
Recipient of Connecting to Collections Bookshelf from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Heritage Preservation Conservation Assessment Program recipient ($6540-2008) to conduct a conservation assessment of the collections and the building.
Town of Milton ($5000-2008) toward Speaker series, special exhibitions, and education programs/ ($1000-2009) toward exhibition programming
Grant in Aid ($1500-2007) toward 200th anniversary events and special exhibitions/ ($1400-2008) toward exhibition and cultural tourism expenses
Sussex County Council ($1000-2007)/($1000-2008)/ ($1000-2009) Human Services Grant for support of teen and school programs
Delaware Museum Association ($360-2007) for the purchase of a network upgrade for PastPerfect software/ ($234-2009) for the purchase of an additional data logger and a light meter/ ($500-2010) to hire a cataloguer for the summer in partnership with the Lewes Historical Society and Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

New Milton History Arrives in time for 200th anniversary

It Began With A River: an illustrated history of Milton and Broadkill Hundred, by Joana S. Donovan, has arrived. Only 1,000 will be sold. Cost is $35/copy with proceeds to benefit the Milton Historical Society. Get your copy today! Complete the order form or phone in your credit card order to 302-684-1010.

Museum Shop News

Visit the Museum Shop to find that perfectly unique gift for the person who has everything! You’ll find local, one-of-a-kind items to please everybody on your list. The gift shop takes checks, credit and debit cards as well as cash.