Page 151 - SEA17 Flip Book

6 MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
2018
Sussex County offers a variety of museums and settings, which document and display the area’s rich culture and history.
Bethel Heritage Museum
302-875-3974
312 First St, Bethel
Call for Appointment, Free Admission
The historic village of Bethel was described as a “toy village come to life” by National Geographic magazine. It was once a busy shipbuilding center and home of the Chesapeake Bay Schooner Rams. Stop by the charming general store while in town. The museum has no regular hours so call ahead. It showcases several early maritime/ shipbuilding artifacts and ship models.
Bridgeville Historical Society Museum 302-337-7600
102 William St, Bridgeville
Call for Appointment, Free Admission
Originally built as the local firehouse in 1911, it was converted into school classrooms in 1924. Later used as an apartment until the Historical Society created the museum in 1977. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mu- seum provides local historic displays. Museum open the first Sun of each month (April to Oct) from 1pm–4pm.
Cook House
302-875-1344
502 E 4th St, Laurel
The home of Harold and Thelma Cook was built in 1933 and is located on the southeast corner
of Fourth and Willow Streets. It was gifted to the Laurel Historical Society by their daughter, Harol- dine Shaner and their grandson, Patrick Shaner. Tour hours by appointment only.
Governor Ross
Mansion and Plantation
302-628-9828
www.seafordhistoricalsociety.com
23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford
Explore a Victorian Italianate mansion with barns, sheds, and spacious grounds. See the only surviving slave quarters in the state of Delaware. Enjoy over 20-acres that includes a granary, stable, smokehouse, and corncribs. Explore a “Honeymoon Cottage” bought from a catalog and located on the property.
The Seaford Historical Society has fully restored this rare brick home, which features a three-sto- ry tall entry, ornate plaster ceilings, Moroccan ventilation, beautiful furnishings, and a hidden safe. Once the home of Governor Ross, the man- sion is a testament to Southern living.
William Henry Harrison Ross was the Demo- cratic governor of Delaware from 1851 to 1855. Extremely popular with the people, he was instrumental in bringing the railroad into Southern Delaware. Trains running daily to Philadelphia vitalized the economy as farmers switched crops from wheat and corn to higher priced tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and other perishables. Ross became a local hero.
But Governor Ross was also a slave owner and Southern sympathizer. When war broke out between the states, Delaware sided with the North. Ross supported the Confederacy, which caused him to flee to England. Today, his man- sion stands as a grand reminder of the pre-Civil War life, long gone.
Laurel Heritage Museum
and Visitor Center
302-875-9319
Laurel Chamber of Commerce
215 Mechanic St, Laurel www.laurelchamber.com
Showcasing an extensive collection of historical documents and objects displayed in our restored Train Station. The key element of the Museum is the one-of-a kind Waller Photograph Collec- tion, recognized as the premier period historical collection by the both the State of Delaware Ar- chives and the University of Delaware. Museum open Mon–Fri 10am–2pm and Sun 1pm–4pm.
Laurel Historic District
302-875-1344
Laurel Chamber of Commerce
502 E 4th St, Laurel www.laurelchamber.com
Laurel has 800 homes on the National Historic Register, more than any other town in Delaware.
Take a tour of Front Street and Indian Trail along scenic Broad Creek.
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Bridgeville Historical Society Museum
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES