Sussex council tables request to get grant money back

The fate of a councilmanic grant to the Georgetown Historical Society has been put on hold by Sussex County Council.

At its Aug. 9 meeting, on a motion made by President Mike Vincent, council voted 5-0 to table a request made by Councilman Mark Schaeffer asking the society to return a $2,000 grant awarded June 21 for a new air-conditioning system at the Marvel Carriage Museum’s new Western Union and train exhibit building.

The action came after Schaeffer made a motion to seek reimbursement.

Vincent said there are too many outstanding issues regarding a lease between the society and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2068 based in Seaford for its Confederate memorial and flag on museum grounds. The display has been in place since 2007.

“We need to know the legal ramifications,” he said. “We need research on this lease.”

Vincent said the air-conditioning system has been purchased and installed. “How would we go back and get the money when the check has already been cashed?” he asked. “I’m not sure how we would go about that.”

He also said council members receive an information packet prior to every meeting containing details on all proposed councilmanic grants, and it’s incumbent on them to pose any questions before a grant is awarded, not after action has already been taken.

Vincent noted that 15 councilmanic grants have been awarded to the Georgetown Historical Society since 2008, totaling $96,300.

At council’s Aug. 2 meeting, Schaeffer made a request to place the matter on a future agenda. Schaeffer had strong words aimed at the society. “This display has no historical value or intent as a museum exhibit. [The flag] is being flown in celebration of the treasonous and racist Confederate movement,” he said.

He said taxpayers’ money should not be granted to the society as long as the memorial and flag remain.

National group condemns society

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has joined the list of those opposing the memorial. 

“An institution that has expressed its desire to continue flying a flag that symbolizes white supremacy, slavery and treason to our nation doesn’t deserve public funding,” said Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director. “We urge the county council to rescind funding for this museum for as long as they fly the Confederate flag.”

Hooper noted that the organization previously called on the council to rescind funding to the museum.