Lewes Historical Society looks to future at annual meeting
The Lewes Historical Society recently announced Mark Dunkel as a new member of the board of trustees for 2023. At the society’s annual meeting, Dunkel was installed after a unanimous vote by attending members.
Peter Keeble, board of trustees chair, will guide the society's work to promote the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region with support from his fellow officers Vice Chair Denise Clemons, Corporate Secretary Erik Hein and Treasurer Richard Weissmann. Dunkel joins current board members Stuart Brahs, Bill Collick, Terri Lottman, Darica Ward, Fay Blake, John Hanson, William Roeder and Stuart Griffin.
Keeble acknowledged the meaningful contributions made by outgoing trustees Dr. Ilona Holland and Harold W.T. Purnell II, Esq., and thanked William Roeder for his service as corporate secretary. Keeble also recognized Immediate Past President Libby Owen’s service as interim executive director in 2022. Owen stepped into the role and provided a steady hand as a supportive leader while the board conducted a comprehensive nationwide search for its next executive director.
In a summary of 2022 activities Keeble provided, the highlight was the development of a three-year strategic planning document designed to guide LHS operations through 2025. A critical outcome of the strategic exercise was the development of the following vision statement, “To preserve and share the diverse history and heritage of the greater Lewes region.”
Andrew J. Lyter, LHS executive director, presented an overview of 2022 activities and followed with a preview of what to expect in 2023. He shared an ambitious scope of work focused on preservation, interpretation, cultural enrichment, education and publications. Lyter emphasized that all LHS activities have been evaluated to assure proper alignment with the LHS mission and that new programs and events are under development as a result. A summary and calendar of 2023 activities can be found in the 2022 annual report.
Another highlight of the annual meeting was the presentation of the Outstanding Volunteer Award to Judith English, who began volunteering March 17, 2020, just as COVID began to complicate LHS operations. She became a campus ambassador, joined the garden gang and served as a docent at the Ryves Holt House. She is a contributor to the LHS newsletter and works at LHS events in many capacities. A photographic portrait of English will be displayed in the Hiram Rodney Burton House in 2023.
For more information, go to historiclewes.org.
