Events

Just as families have a past, old houses and the land they are built on have histories. This practical lecture is designed to show you how to uncover that past and answer questions such as when was the structure built, who lived in it, how has it changed over time, and what are its stories. The discussion centers on implementing an organized research process, what records are available, where to look for documents, and interpreting the findings. The discussion concludes by presenting suggestions for creating a history of an old house. If you know where to look, you may find the clues to the past.

Defying the odds, Leland Melvin became the only person to catch a football for the NFL and in space.

Join the Rehoboth Beach Public Library for a discussion of his book.  Before the book discussion, you can hear Leland Melvin tell his inspiring story at Delaware State University on October 5!

The discussion will be led by Jack Clemons.  Jack Clemons is both a SF writer and a “rocket scientist”. He has published nonfiction and science fiction and is an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He has a Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering and was engineer and team leader on NASA’s Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. Jack gives talks across the Mid-Atlantic region, including the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center and the Baltimore Book Festival, on the Apollo Moon Program, on the design and first flights of the NASA Space Shuttle, and on the untold stories behind each of these programs. He appeared in the “Command Module” segment of Moon Machines, the Discovery Science Channel’s award-winning six-part documentary about the Apollo Program, and in the Nat Geo documentary Apollo: Back To The Moon. He writes a space and science column for Amazing Stories Magazine. His award winning book “Safely to Earth: The Men and Women Who Brought the Astronauts Home”, a memoir of his time on NASA’s Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, was published by University Press of Florida and is available from the publisher, bookstores and Amazon.com.

Starting mid-September, books will be available to borrow from the library for this discussion. Please visit the Circulation desk.

In light of the popularity of Christy Taylor’s two Just Mercy book discussions offered in conjunction with MHS’s Walking into Greatness: Bryan A. Stevenson, MHS will host another book group on Tuesday, October 29 from 6-7:30 pm led by Stevenson’s cousin Alonna Berry, the founder and chairwoman of The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence scheduled to open in Sussex County in 2021. As a trustee of MHS and part of the Stevenson exhibition team, Berry brings a unique perspective to her discussion of Just Mercy. She says, “I am honored to be a part of an important conversation happening in our country addressing the spoken and unspoken parts of our history, as both are equally meaningful and required to push us all forward. I hope this book club with continue that conversation here, in our local context of Sussex County, so together we can honor, accept and move forward.”

Using a how-to approach, this program gives someone interested in exploring their family history step-by-step instructions in getting started on a genealogical research project. Essential research techniques are introduced, genealogical records are discussed, and research facilities are identified. Throughout the program there is an emphasis on equipping the participant with the necessary information to carry on with researching and documenting a family’s history. Based on the groups interest the records of specific ethnic groups will be included in the discussion. The program places a strong emphasis on the discussion of how the family’s story fits into the larger context of community and history.

When American troops in Vietnam answered the call to correspond with a young reporter four decades ago, they could not have envisioned the enduring relevancy of their war letters or the rich legacy their words, photographs and memorabilia would leave to succeeding generations. Ms. Lynch discusses and reads selected war letters from her book, Vietnam Mailbag, Voices From the War: 1968-1972, based on her popular newspaper column, “Nancy’s Vietnam Mailbag.” She is accompanied by Vietnam veteran Rick Lovekin, a Huey helicopter door gunner, Cobra crew chief and frequent letter writer to Nancy, who shows slides from Vietnam set to 1960s music.

Many Delawareans are surprised to learn of the state’s role in the successful conclusion of World War II. This lecture examines Delaware’s involvement in the War including the surrender of the German U-boat 858 at Fort Miles, German Prisoners in Delaware, Delaware heroes in the War, and the role of the DuPont Company during the War.

Using a how-to approach, this program gives someone interested in exploring their family history step-by-step instructions in getting started on a genealogical research project. Essential research techniques are introduced, genealogical records are discussed, and research facilities are identified. Throughout the program there is an emphasis on equipping the participant with the necessary information to carry on with researching and documenting a family’s history. Based on the groups interest the records of specific ethnic groups will be included in the discussion. The program places a strong emphasis on the discussion of how the family’s story fits into the larger context of community and history.

Stories Worth Repeating is a celebration of people, places and special times composed from interviews of community members. Learnings and lessons are reflected in stories read by Ms. Moore. Documentation is explored with a presentation of quilt samples, pictures, and scrapbook pages. This unique presentation offers the opportunity for reflection and appreciation of the brocade pattern of our lives.

Using a how-to approach, this program gives someone interested in exploring their family history step-by-step instructions in getting started on a genealogical research project. Essential research techniques are introduced, genealogical records are discussed, and research facilities are identified. Throughout the program there is an emphasis on equipping the participant with the necessary information to carry on with researching and documenting a family’s history. Based on the groups interest the records of specific ethnic groups will be included in the discussion. The program places a strong emphasis on the discussion of how the family’s story fits into the larger context of community and history.

Dr. Blume’s presentation is a discussion of the post-European contact history of the Nanticoke and Lenape people who remained in Delaware following the diaspora of the early- to mid-eighteenth century when many families of both tribes moved north to join with the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) in New York and Canada or west to join with other Lenape people on the long trek to Oklahoma. She focuses on the challenges faced by both tribes in surviving as distinct tribal communities separate from their Euro-American and African American neighbors and the strategies they used to maintain their identities as Indian peoples. She also discusses the difficulties faced by historians and anthropologists today in researching the history of these communities as a result of decisions made by record keepers and researchers in the past.