……………………………………

Boats, Buttons, Beans, and Beer! Walking & Brewery Tour in Milton

Milton Arts Guild Exhibit -

John F. Kennedy in June, 1963: A Portrait of Presidential Leadership

More>>

Volunteer Training at Milton Historical Society Begins March 23rd

The Milton Historical Society is seeking residents of the region to serve as museum volunteers at its Lydia Black Cannon Museum in historic downtown Milton.  Volunteering for the MHS is a great way to learn about the history of the area and meet others who share your interests. If you are a friendly person who loves meeting new people, learning and sharing, this important volunteer position is for you.

As hosts and guides, volunteers make an important contribution to the vitality of the museum.  Without our volunteers, the museum could not be open on a regularly scheduled basis.  The museum is often the first stop for visitors to Milton, so you may also help visitors discover the many other attractions in the town and in the area.   

A four-session training class is offered each spring.  This year the classes will be held on the following Saturdays, March 23, April 6, April 27, and May 4 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at the museum.  The sessions are interesting and provide an opportunity for interaction.  After completing the training, you are asked to commit a minimum of four hours volunteer time per month between Memorial Day and Labor Day and at least four hours per quarter throughout the year.

To sign up for training or for more information, call the museum at 302-684-1010.

Milton Historical Society Announces Search for New Director

Jack Bushey, president of the Milton Historical Society, has announced that the organization has opened a job search to fill the position of director of the society and the Lydia B. Cannon Museum.  The director is the chief administrator of the Milton Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, and reports to the board of trustees.  The director is responsible for a wide range of administrative and programming activities to advance the society’s mission and will support the effort to complete an ambitious strategic plan.  During the next 5 – 10 years, the Milton Historical Society plans to expand its physical space creating a vital, attractive town center while preserving its high standard of dynamic programming, preservation, governance, and financial strength.

The Milton Historical Society is the hub of a historical community listed on The National Register of Historic Places at the head of the Broadkill River in Milton, Delaware.   Educational programming and social events are offered throughout the year adding interest and vitality to the community.  Former director, Melinda Huff said, “This is a wonderful organization with an insightful and energetic board, an interesting collection, and great group of volunteers.”

A complete job description including qualifications is available here.

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 2007–2012

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)($2000-2012) 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.