Small Town News

DiPaolo wins award

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The American Association of Museums has named Mike DiPaolo, executive director of the Lewes Historical Society, recipient of the 2011 Nancy Hanks Memorial Award for Professional Excellence. The award honors a museum professional with less than 10 years' experience in the field. DiPaolo received his award during the general session of the association's annual meeting and MuseumExpo May 25 in Houston, Texas.

DiPaolo became the historical society's first full-time executive director in 2001. Since then, the society's membership has grown to more than 1, 000.

Under DiPaolo's stewardship, the society's facilities have been redesigned, and its exhibits have been expanded.

"This is a good place to be," said DiPaolo, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. "Lewes residents are very engaged in improving the community and supporting local organizations."

Fran Richmann, historical society president, said DiPaolo is a valuable asset, and his museum association recognition increases the organization's visibility and status.

"This is one more piece of evidence that we have an exceptional executive director who is leading us in the right direction," Richmann said.

The museum association cites among DiPaolo's achievements his communications initiatives,

incorporation of social media, publications, and public events to acquaint the community and state with Lewes' historical significance.

"Mike DiPaolo has reconfirmed one enduring truth in the museum field: that one person, with energy and drive and imagination, can turn a modest institution into a major one," said Douglas Myers, American Association of Museums board chairman.

Including DiPaolo, the historical society has a full-time staff of two. One of DiPaolo's signature achievements came in 2006, on the 375th anniversary of Lewes' first settlement. The historical

society staged a ceremonial session of the Delaware General Assembly, a body that had met in Lewes in 1780 and 1781.

"His achievements in Lewes are emblematic of a museum leader's commitment to education and community engagement, and that success in these areas only leads to more success and a wider impact," Meyers said. As the historical society approaches its 50th anniversary, it welcomes more than 80, 000 visitors annually, making its museum one of the most visited in the state. Visitors come for year-round programs including exhibitions, tours and events.

The society holds a collection of 10, 000 objects, ranging from fine art to decorative arts, large industrial items and small maritime vessels.

"Mike DiPaolo's work is a prime example of the challenges many small museum leaders face daily. Such individuals provide

the vision for their institutions, while also acting as fundraiser-in-chief, collections manager, exhibit creator and designer, and chief communications officer, among many other roles," said Ford W. Bell, American Association of Museums president.

First presented in 1985, the Nancy Hank Memorial Award recognizes a specific achievement that has benefited either the honoree's home institution or the museum field in general.





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