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The Story of Milton

Photo of the Broadkill River

Learn more about Milton through a narrated slideshow by Lisa Wolfe. View the slideshow

 

2008 Membership

Become a MHS member and support the ongoing work of the Historical Society, and enjoy learning and fun throughout the year.

Be a Docent!

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!

May 24 & 25

Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival Weekend More>>

May–October

Magnificent & Modest: A Milton Walking Tour More>>

June 13–
September 12

Milton Made: Quilts from the MHS collection More>>

September 6

Annual “Best of Milton” Auction and Party More>>

September 20

1st Annual Milton Historical Society Antiques Show More>>

Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival Weekend

Saturday and Sunday, May 24th and 25th
Weekend events in-town Milton and Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge. The MHS will host an exhibit of local artists. Museum open Saturday 9 am–5 pm and Sunday 11 am–5 pm.

Magnificent & Modest: A Milton Walking Tour
First and third Saturday of the month May–October, 10 am

Join Milton Historical Society staff and volunteers for a guided walking tour of the town once known as, “Head of Broadkill.” Milton enjoys a rich architectural heritage, with 198 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will review the town’s early history and include a lively discussion the ship captains and seafaring men who called Milton home. A broad range of architectural styles will be featured including: Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Bungalow. Attention will also be given to the regional folk or vernacular tradition of building found throughout the town. Button sheds, barns, and outbuildings will be discussed as the tour winds through side lanes and alleys. The tour will last approximately 1½ hours and covers a little over a mile. Sturdy shoes, plenty of sun block, and hats are recommended. Weather permitting.

WHEN: First & Third Saturdays May–October, 10 am
(May 17, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, Aug 2 & 16, Sept 6 & 20, Oct 4 & 18)
WHERE: Meet at the Milton Historical Society, 210 Union St., Milton, DE 19968
COST: Members are FREE and non-members are $5.
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED.

Milton Made: Quilts from the MHS Collection

June 13th–September 12th
Friends and Members opening Friday, June 13th, 5–7 pm
Museum open Thursday–Sunday, 1–5 pm and by appointment. Tour groups welcome. Featuring a selection of historic quilts and quilting equipage dating from 1859–1929.

Best of Milton Auction and Party

Saturday, September 6th, 4–8 pm
Join us under the tent for fun, food and furious bidding to support the museum.

1st Annual Milton Historical Society Antiques Show

Promoted by Matt Grieg, owner of Antiques in Milton
Saturday, September 20th, 9 am–3 pm
25–30 Quality Dealers
Rain or Shine, held next to the Museum, 210 Union Street, Milton
Admission $2 to benefit the Milton Historical Society
For more information contact: Matt @ (302) 684-4499 or email div2roty@aol.com.

Grants awarded in 2007–2008

Delaware Humanities Forum ($4400) for development of audio walking tour
Sussex County Council ($6000) Community Development Funds.
Recipient of Connecting to Collections Bookshelf from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Heritage Preservation Conservation Assessment Program recipient ($6540) to conduct a conservation assessment of the collections and the building.
Town of Milton ($5000) toward Speaker series, special exhibitions, and education programs
Grant in Aid ($1500) toward 200th anniversary events and special exhibitions
Sussex County Council ($1000) Human Services Grant for support of teen and school programs
Delaware Museum Association ($360) for the purchase of a network upgrade for PastPerfect software

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! Send us a check or phone in your credit card order to 302-684-1010.

 
 

Roots & Wings Takes Off!

Roots & Wings is a middle school group sponsored by the Historical Society. Thanks to MHS docent Lynne Maloy for organizing and leading this wonderful group! Roots & Wings began in November, 2006 with a ghost tour of Milton, and now meets every month at the museum to learn about area history. Their newest project: making a video about how different groups of people originally came to the Milton area. Pictured from left to right are: Allie Mueller, Alex Maloy, Julian Dawson, Hannah Williamson, Anna Kelly, and Maddie Gallagher. New members are encouraged to join! For more information contact the Historical Society.

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, and is open Thursday–Sundays, 1:00–5:00.