Hazel Brittingham remembered as beloved Lewes historian

“Ask Hazel, she’ll know.”

That was a phase spoken for decades in Lewes when anyone wanted an answer on the town’s history.

They were talking about Hazel Brittingham, the beloved historian who had an amazing connectivity to the First Town in the First State.

Brittingham, 97, died Dec. 30. She was born in her parents’ Lewes family home Nov. 12, 1927.

Jim Ford, former Lewes mayor, said she became the historian for the city’s founding, evolution and the success of today.

“She loved the town history, as well as architecture [and] the people of Lewes,” he said. “[She kept] meticulous records and compiled data, and always had a willing-to-share attitude.”

Ford said Brittingham’s husband, Emory, was Lewes police chief. He said they operated a restaurant downtown that was the hub of activity in the city.

“Material possessions and objects can be replaced or replicated. People cannot, especially Hazel. Her beloved Lewes will not be the same, but must carry on as she would want,” Ford said.

Brittingham was a charter member of the Lewes Historical Society, which is now known as Historic Lewes.

Mike DiPaolo, former LHS executive director, said Hazel’s impact is unsurpassed.

“It was special to be able to spend so much time with Hazel, talking about Lewes history, asking questions and, most gratifyingly, to help her find answers to questions she had,” DiPaolo said. 

Brittingham donated more than 50 boxes of papers and photographs to the Lewes Historical Society’s archival center, which now bears her name as the Hazel Brittingham Collections Center. It is located at the Lewes History Museum.

In 2002, LHS awarded her the Dr. James E. Marvil Lifetime Service Award for her more than 20 years of service to the organization.

“For the historical society, her contributions to the collection – from individual photographs to large collections – single-handedly made the holdings what it is, both in terms of scope and depth,” DiPaolo said. “I’d say she embodied the best of what we think when we think of Lewes. She was indeed the spirit of our community.”

Dennis Forney, Cape Gazette publisher emeritus, knew Brittingham for 45 years. He delivered the eulogy at the her funeral service Jan. 8 at Groome Church in Lewes.

Brittingham held many positions within the church over the years. She was recognized as Groome’s historian and published a booklet for its 100th anniversary.

She was also instrumental in restoring and preserving the stained-glass windows in its sanctuary.

“She was really one of the giants of the 20th century in Lewes,” Forney said. “She was unpretentious, humble, authentic and an amazing person. She was who she was, right until the end.”

Forney said Brittingham’s love for Lewes history has been a tremendous gift to the Delaware community.

“The amount of material she left for future generations to learn about Lewes is immense, as was her ability to keep things organized,” he said.

Brittingham often appeared in the Cape Gazette and its predecessor, The Whale.

The City of Lewes issued a statement in honor of her legacy: “The City of Lewes has lost a truly remarkable woman. A lifelong citizen of Lewes and noted historian of Delaware, Sussex County and Lewes, Hazel Downs Brittingham devoted much of her life to the betterment of our community. She was kind, selfless and generous. We will always be grateful for her countless published writings and rich oral histories that will serve Lewes and her legacy. Mayor and city council extend heartfelt condolences to Hazel Brittingham’s family and loved ones.”