Milton Sound Walk
Click here for the audio walking tour of the town
Learn more about Milton through a narrated slideshow by Lisa Wolfe. View the slideshow
Join Our E-News List
Annual Membership
Become a MHS member and support the ongoing work of the Historical Society, and enjoy learning and fun throughout the year.
Volunteer!
It’s a great opportunity to get involved, learn more, and share your knowledge with others! Find out more…
Be a Part of History
Our Show & Tell Project is underway. Find out how you can contribute and become a part of our living history!
Check Out What’s Going on Around the State
Summer 2009
Walking Tour Schedule More>>
July 11
Fence Me IN! Workshop by Libby Zando More>>
July 14
Universal Design & Green Remodeling Seminar by Bill Bell More>>
July 17
Speakers Series: James Diehl Remembering Sussex County: From Zwaanendael to King Chicken More>>
August 15
Great Fire of 1909 Exhibit Opening More>>
Sept 12
Best of Milton Auction and Party More>>
Sept 19
2nd Annual Antiques Show More>>
Oct 10
Governors Day 5K run/walk More>>
Current and Coming Exhibits
Between Fences
May 15- July 11, 2009
Between Fences tells the story of the settling of the United States, the establishment of its communities, and the building of its borders.
We live between fences. We may hardly notice them, but they are dominant features in our lives and in our history. Thousands of types have been invented, millions of miles have been produced, and countless rivals have seized post, rail, panel, and wire to stake their claims. In 1871, the Department of Agriculture estimated the total value of fences in the United States at $1.7 billion, a sum almost equal to the national debt.
Our past is defined by the cutting point of barbed steel and the staccato rhythm of the white picket. Built of hedge, concrete, wood and metal, the fence skirts our properties and is central to the American landscape.
Fences, like barns, are tools that embody a culture and its values. Discover the history and meaning of these ordinary objects–how tightly the fence is entwined with politics, industry, and daily life.
Between Fences has been made possible in Milton by the Delaware Humanities Forum. Between Fences is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Federation of State Humanities Councils. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and The Hearst Foundation.
Milton’s Great Fire of 1909
August 13- October 31, 2009
Milton’s most devastating disaster occurred 100 years ago. In August of 1909, a fire tore through the downtown commercial district, endangering lives and destroying property. Learn about the fire and its aftermath through period accounts, photographs, and antique fire equipment. The exhibit will also feature accounts and photographs of other significant Milton fires, including the Siler City Hosiery Mill fire as well as blazes at Wagamon’s Mill and the Draper King-Cole factory.
Above: Aftermath of the great fire along Federal Street looking south. The fire was contained at the Sussex Trust Bank (now the Federal Street Coffee and Espresso Bar), a masonry building completed in 1901.
Other News
Historical Society Receives $150,000 Challenge
Local businessman and board member Thomas H. Draper has issued the Milton Historical Society community an exciting challenge. Until the end of the year 2010, he will match—dollar for dollar— all funds donated to the Milton Historical Society Endowment Fund, up to $150,000……for a total of $300,000 toward the museum’s endowment.
Mr. Draper commented, “I am pleased and honored to be able to extend this challenge and I am confident that the community will meet it. This is the next important step for the growth and development of the Milton Historical Society.”
Milton Historical Society Board Members Connie Fisher, Bonnie Hudson, and Marie Mayor will co-chair the challenge fund drive.
An endowment is a way to ensure an institution’s long-term success. A small percentage of the income made by the fund is used for annual operating expenses but the principal will remain untouched. Each of the museum’s thirteen Board members has made a commitment to the campaign and in the first two months,over 100,000 in contributions and pledges have been received.
Donations to the endowment fund should be sent to the: Milton Historical Society, P. O. Box 112, Milton, DE 19968. For more information contact Melinda Huff at 302-684-1010 or info@historicmilton.org
To support the endowment challenge, complete and return the pledge-card.
Grants awarded in 2007–2009
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) 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
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 something 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.