Volunteers, programs, and new initiatives are helping keep local stories alive for generations to come.
By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE
In a fast-growing town like Middletown, Delaware, it can be easy for the past to fade into the background. The Middletown Historical Society is working to make sure that does not happen.
Founded in 1985, the Society was born out of a grassroots effort to save a historic structure known as Greenlawn. What began as a preservation campaign has grown into a long-standing community organization with a clear mission. Leaders say their goal is “to collect, preserve, educate, and encourage the development of Middletown’s history in order to foster historic awareness and pride in our community.”
Over the years, the Society has become a familiar presence in town. From popular house tours to engaging lectures, its programs bring local history to life in meaningful ways. One of its most beloved traditions is the annual Olde-Tyme Peach Festival, first launched in 1993, which continues to draw residents and visitors together to celebrate both history and community spirit.
At the heart of the organization’s success is a dedicated group of volunteers who make much of its work possible.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of our mission,” a Society representative shared. “Their enthusiasm and hard work help bring history to life and ensure our programs, events, and collections are managed with care and passion.”
Volunteers take on a wide range of responsibilities. Some help organize and staff events, while others assist with outreach, marketing, and social media efforts. Behind the scenes, volunteers also play a critical role in preserving historical artifacts and documents that tell the story of Middletown’s past.
That work is currently being strengthened through a partnership with students from the Winterthur Program in Material Culture. Esme Krohn and Fiona Owens are working to inventory and properly store clothing artifacts within the Society’s collection.
“Their efforts ensure that these valuable historical garments are preserved and properly documented,” the Society noted. “This makes them accessible for future research and exhibition.”
The impact of volunteer efforts extends well beyond individual projects. Their contributions help create engaging programs that connect residents with the people, places, and events that shaped the town.
“The creativity and dedication of our volunteers make our programs successful and engaging,” the Society added. “They draw the community into the stories that have shaped Middletown over the years.”
Looking ahead, the Middletown Historical Society is focused on growth and innovation. A new strategic plan outlines several key priorities designed to expand its reach and deepen community engagement.
Among those goals is increasing awareness through improved marketing, expanded volunteer recruitment, and a stronger membership program. Plans are also underway to enhance the organization’s digital presence by diversifying content across platforms like Facebook and Instagram and introducing an online membership portal.
Collaboration is another major focus. The Society is seeking partnerships with local organizations such as Volunteer Brewing Company, the Appoquinimink Library, and the Odessa Library to create new opportunities for programs, outreach, and community involvement.
There is also a renewed emphasis on public programming and education. Future plans include developing new exhibitions, launching a genealogy program, and creating traveling presentations that can be shared with schools, retirement communities, and 55-plus neighborhoods.
One upcoming initiative that has already generated excitement is a planned Underground Railroad exhibition, which aims to highlight an important chapter in the region’s history.
As Middletown continues to grow, the Historical Society remains committed to ensuring that its heritage remains a vital part of the community’s identity.
“We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and dedication of our volunteers,” the Society said. “As we continue to grow and expand our programs, we welcome anyone with a passion for history to get involved. There is always a place for you here.”
For residents looking to connect with the past while helping shape the future, the Middletown Historical Society offers more than just a glimpse into history. It offers a chance to be part of it.
Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact editor@delawarelive.com or our publisher, George D. Rotsch at George@Delawarelive.com
This post was originally published on TownSquareDelaware
