Small Town News

Dinner celebrates achievements, looks to future

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Ekelund named volunteer of year

Milton Historical Society celebrated a banner year and honored its many accomplishments and the hard work of its volunteers at its fifth annual dinner April 30.

More than 100 people attended the home-style fried-chicken "friendraiser" dinner at Milton Fire Hall. "It's a time when we get together with folks we haven't seen all year," said society Executive Director Melinda Huff.

Huff said the society fulfilled its endowment challenge, raising $150,000, a sum that was matched by Tom Draper, for a total of $300,000. Huff said financial growth from this fund will support Milton Historical Society operations well into the future. With a volunteer corps of 77 people, Milton Historical Society thrives on community involvement.

Director of Visitor Services Patti Nicholson thanked everyone. "Whatever you do, we are very grateful for your time and treasures," she said.

The society honored Lynn Ekelund as Volunteer of the Year for her steadfast help during busy times and last-minute emergencies.

"She's so proud of being a volunteer, and that means so much to me," Huff said. The pride of volunteers gives everyone's work more meaning, she said.

"I was just so happy to help," said Ekelund, who said it felt wonderful to be honored. "I'll be in on Wednesday."

Milton Fire Department received the Community Partner Award.

Huff welcomed new board of trustees members Kevin Kelly

and Jack Bushey, who will serve six-year terms.

She also outlined the society's future plans, saying the society hopes to enhance its role in the community, adopt new technologies as patrons become more tech savvy, become known for high standards of preservation and interpretation, promote strong governance and management and develop financial strength.

More than 10,000 people visited the museum in 2010, and 50,000 unique virtual visitors viewed the website www.his-toricmiltoaorg.

Milton's museum has a growing collection ol artifacts. On display at the Lydia Black Cannon Museum is Captain Conwell's Milton, presenting life in late 19th-century Milton from a ship captain's point < >f view.

The Milton Historical Society is also embarking on an in-depth project about tie button-cutting industry.

A Delaware Humanities Forum grant allov rs Milton to part-ner with the University of Delaware to st idy the local industry using lraried methods,

from oral storytelling to developing detailed, global positioning system maps.

This summer, people can enjoy a walking and brewery tour of Milton and the Dogfish Head Brewery.

There will be special walking expeditions in town for children to see artifacts and architecture.

In 2010, all of Milton's public school students from first-through fifth-grade visited the Lydia Black Cannon Museum.

"Our school programs are flourishing," Huff said.

For the Milton Historical Society's full calendar of events, call 302-684-1010 or visit www.his-toricmilton.org.





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