Lewes Historical Society awarded $15,000 grant from Delaware 250
The Lewes Historical Society has been allocated a $15,000 grant from Delaware 250, a special project of the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives.
The gift is part of Delaware 250’s inaugural cycle of grants to support planning and programming for the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th, anniversary in 2026.
This spring endowment will support the Lewes Historical Society's multi-phase exhibition, From Revolution to Republic: The Neill Household (1792-1803), which will transform the circa 1785 Burton Ingram House to accurately portray the home life of Revolutionary War veteran Col. Henry Neill, his wife Mary, and the seven enslaved individuals who lived and worked in this space.
The Burton Ingram House is located on the society’s historic campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes.
Phase I of the exhibit, From Revolution to Republic, is now complete. The Burton Ingram House parlor has been meticulously furnished, adhering closely to the Neill family inventory.
Phases II and III will incorporate updates to the dining room and the upstairs living space that housed the seven enslaved individuals who would have lived in the Neills’ home.
The exhibition also will explore Col. Neill’s wartime career and its lasting impact on both his household and the community of Lewes.
Andrew Lyter, executive director of the Lewes Historical Society, expressed his enthusiasm for the grant. "As we strive to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this nation's founding, it is critical to ensure that we are sharing all perspectives, demonstrating how the Revolution impacted society. The Neill family home provides an excellent illustration of the often-contradictory ideals that followed in the wake of 1776,” said Lyter.
Other spring grant recipients include the Delaware Art Museum, The Newark Partnership, Wisdom 2 Witness, Greater Harrington Historical Society, Delaware Historical Society and Delaware Institute for Arts in Education.
“The 250th anniversary of our country’s independence is a significant milestone for both our state and our nation, and an opportunity to enrich our understanding of Delaware’s past present, and future,” said Dick Carter, chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission, which is partnering to fund the grant. “Since its formation ahead of our nation’s 1976 Bicentennial, the Delaware Heritage Commission has served as a steward of Delaware’s rich history; we look forward to continuing that work as we approach this important anniversary.”
For more information, go to historiclewes.org.
