Delaware
Delaware 250 Announces Spring 2024 Grant Recipients – State of Delaware News
Delaware 250 is pleased to announce the recipients of its inaugural cycle of grants to support planning and programming for the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial Anniversary in 2026. This anniversary recognizes 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A special project of the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives, Delaware 250 seeks to reflect on and celebrate the plurality of histories within both Delaware and the nation as we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
“The 250th anniversary of our country’s independence is a significant milestone for both our state and our nation, and an opportunity to enrich our understanding of Delaware’s past, present, and future,” said Dick Carter, chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission. “Since its formation ahead of our nation’s 1976 Bicentennial, the Delaware Heritage Commission has served as a steward of Delaware’s rich history; we look forward to continuing that work as we approach this important anniversary.”
The Delaware 250 grants are intended to support museums, libraries, non-profit organizations, historic sites, heritage groups, and other such groups in developing programs or other public-facing ventures that help to commemorate the 250th anniversary for Delawareans and Delaware’s visitors. Recipients will use the funds to plan for the 250th in ways that serve and reflect their communities and organizations.
“Delaware 250 is committed to representing the many stories across this state,” said Margaret Hughes, coordinator for Delaware 250. “We are inspired by the revolutionary ideals that formed this country and to which we continue to aspire. Each in their own way, the Spring 2024 grant recipients contribute to a deeper understanding of our past.”
Recipients of the Spring 2024 Delaware 250 grants are:
- Delaware Art Museum ($25,000), for its Art and Democracy Project, which facilitates conversations across the State on how Delaware’s arts and cultural organizations can create content that reflects Delawareans’ shared history and imagines their collective future.
- The Newark Partnership ($20,000), to support the Knowing Newark series, a variety of community events showcasing Newark’s history and heritage.
- Lewes Historical Society ($15,000), to support the Society’s exhibition From Revolution to Republic: The Neill Household (1792-1803). This exhibition will curate the society’s Burton Ingram House (c. 1785) to reflect the home of Revolutionary War veteran Colonel Henry Neill, his wife Mary, and the seven enslaved people that lived and worked in this space.
- Wisdom 2 Witness ($14,976), to develop an oral history project connecting young people to community elders via stories of Delaware’s past, present, and hoped-for future.
- Greater Harrington Historical Society ($14,000), to increase access to collections for researchers and the public ahead of the Semiquincentennial through space renovation, improved archival storage, and dedicated collections management.
- Delaware Historical Society ($12,000), to create a series of “book talks” focusing on inclusive and relevant histories of the Revolutionary era through the theme “We the People.”
- Delaware Institute for Arts in Education ($10,000), to develop a series of in-school artist residencies culminating in a public dance performance and scholar’s talk. The project aims to foster deeper understanding of the American Civil Rights era and the impact of Martin Luther King’s assassination on the city of Wilmington, ideas that connect with the country’s long struggle to secure the promises of the Revolution.
- NSDAR/Lafayette Bicentennial ($7,840), to support programming for the October 2024 bicentennial commemoration of Major General Lafayette’s farewell tour. Fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, French hero of the American Revolution Lafayette returned as the “Guest of the Nation” to visit the country he helped to form.
- Milford Museum ($5,000), to produce the documentary film The Colored Balcony, centering on the history of the then-segregated Schines Theater in downtown Milford.
The grants will support outreach and engagement across the state. “The Greater Harrington Historical Society was a grateful recipient of a grant from Delaware 250,” said Doug Poore, curator. “The funds from this grant award will be used to expand our archive room, which will allow visitors and researchers greater access to our holdings, specifically genealogical documents dating back to the 1700s.”
Molly Giordano, Executive Director of the Delaware Art Museum, said, “DelArt is thrilled to receive this funding from Delaware 250 to support our 2026 exhibition and research project that will shine a light on the connection between art and democracy. As Delaware’s largest art museum, we continue to play a leading role in using art to consider our collective past and invest in our shared artistic future.”
Applications for the next round of Delaware 250 grants will open in early June, with a July 15 application deadline. For more information, contact Margaret Hughes at (302) 744-5067 or Margaret.Hughes@delaware.gov. For all press inquiries about Delaware 250, please contact Katie Pierce at (302) 744-5076 or Catherine.Pierce@delaware.gov.
About Delaware Heritage Commission
Created in 1972 as the Delaware American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution in 1776, the Delaware Heritage Commission became one of the principal agencies for the celebration of Delaware history. The celebration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution in 1987, the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights, the 500th anniversary of Columbus “Finding the Americas,” the 75th anniversary of the American Revolution Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, were led by the Heritage Commission. Our mission is to celebrate the history and heritage of Delaware. Since 1993, the Commission has sponsored Delaware Book Fair and Authors Day. From the publications of books about Delaware history to the institution of two summer history camp programs for boys and girls, we engage in everything to accomplish our goals. The Commission offers Challenge Grants and McKinstry Awards for people studying First State history. The Heritage Commission works with sister agencies within the Delaware Department of State (museums, archives, veterans, arts) to fulfill that mission.
About Delaware Public Archives
As the repository for records of Delaware state and local governments, the Delaware Public Archives contains millions of documents and other materials that can help with researching one’s genealogical roots and conduct historical research. Among these records are census materials, vital statistics including birth, death, and marriage records; tax assessments, probate/estate records, land deeds, and military records.
The Delaware Public Archives also preserves a large amount of genealogically related materials that were of private origin. These records include family histories, bible records, church records, manuscript genealogies, and newspapers.
Related Topics: DE250, Delaware 250, Delaware Heritage Commission, Delaware Public Archives, grants
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
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Delaware 250 is pleased to announce the recipients of its inaugural cycle of grants to support planning and programming for the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial Anniversary in 2026. This anniversary recognizes 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A special project of the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives, Delaware 250 seeks to reflect on and celebrate the plurality of histories within both Delaware and the nation as we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
“The 250th anniversary of our country’s independence is a significant milestone for both our state and our nation, and an opportunity to enrich our understanding of Delaware’s past, present, and future,” said Dick Carter, chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission. “Since its formation ahead of our nation’s 1976 Bicentennial, the Delaware Heritage Commission has served as a steward of Delaware’s rich history; we look forward to continuing that work as we approach this important anniversary.”
The Delaware 250 grants are intended to support museums, libraries, non-profit organizations, historic sites, heritage groups, and other such groups in developing programs or other public-facing ventures that help to commemorate the 250th anniversary for Delawareans and Delaware’s visitors. Recipients will use the funds to plan for the 250th in ways that serve and reflect their communities and organizations.
“Delaware 250 is committed to representing the many stories across this state,” said Margaret Hughes, coordinator for Delaware 250. “We are inspired by the revolutionary ideals that formed this country and to which we continue to aspire. Each in their own way, the Spring 2024 grant recipients contribute to a deeper understanding of our past.”
Recipients of the Spring 2024 Delaware 250 grants are:
- Delaware Art Museum ($25,000), for its Art and Democracy Project, which facilitates conversations across the State on how Delaware’s arts and cultural organizations can create content that reflects Delawareans’ shared history and imagines their collective future.
- The Newark Partnership ($20,000), to support the Knowing Newark series, a variety of community events showcasing Newark’s history and heritage.
- Lewes Historical Society ($15,000), to support the Society’s exhibition From Revolution to Republic: The Neill Household (1792-1803). This exhibition will curate the society’s Burton Ingram House (c. 1785) to reflect the home of Revolutionary War veteran Colonel Henry Neill, his wife Mary, and the seven enslaved people that lived and worked in this space.
- Wisdom 2 Witness ($14,976), to develop an oral history project connecting young people to community elders via stories of Delaware’s past, present, and hoped-for future.
- Greater Harrington Historical Society ($14,000), to increase access to collections for researchers and the public ahead of the Semiquincentennial through space renovation, improved archival storage, and dedicated collections management.
- Delaware Historical Society ($12,000), to create a series of “book talks” focusing on inclusive and relevant histories of the Revolutionary era through the theme “We the People.”
- Delaware Institute for Arts in Education ($10,000), to develop a series of in-school artist residencies culminating in a public dance performance and scholar’s talk. The project aims to foster deeper understanding of the American Civil Rights era and the impact of Martin Luther King’s assassination on the city of Wilmington, ideas that connect with the country’s long struggle to secure the promises of the Revolution.
- NSDAR/Lafayette Bicentennial ($7,840), to support programming for the October 2024 bicentennial commemoration of Major General Lafayette’s farewell tour. Fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, French hero of the American Revolution Lafayette returned as the “Guest of the Nation” to visit the country he helped to form.
- Milford Museum ($5,000), to produce the documentary film The Colored Balcony, centering on the history of the then-segregated Schines Theater in downtown Milford.
The grants will support outreach and engagement across the state. “The Greater Harrington Historical Society was a grateful recipient of a grant from Delaware 250,” said Doug Poore, curator. “The funds from this grant award will be used to expand our archive room, which will allow visitors and researchers greater access to our holdings, specifically genealogical documents dating back to the 1700s.”
Molly Giordano, Executive Director of the Delaware Art Museum, said, “DelArt is thrilled to receive this funding from Delaware 250 to support our 2026 exhibition and research project that will shine a light on the connection between art and democracy. As Delaware’s largest art museum, we continue to play a leading role in using art to consider our collective past and invest in our shared artistic future.”
Applications for the next round of Delaware 250 grants will open in early June, with a July 15 application deadline. For more information, contact Margaret Hughes at (302) 744-5067 or Margaret.Hughes@delaware.gov. For all press inquiries about Delaware 250, please contact Katie Pierce at (302) 744-5076 or Catherine.Pierce@delaware.gov.
About Delaware Heritage Commission
Created in 1972 as the Delaware American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution in 1776, the Delaware Heritage Commission became one of the principal agencies for the celebration of Delaware history. The celebration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution in 1987, the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights, the 500th anniversary of Columbus “Finding the Americas,” the 75th anniversary of the American Revolution Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, were led by the Heritage Commission. Our mission is to celebrate the history and heritage of Delaware. Since 1993, the Commission has sponsored Delaware Book Fair and Authors Day. From the publications of books about Delaware history to the institution of two summer history camp programs for boys and girls, we engage in everything to accomplish our goals. The Commission offers Challenge Grants and McKinstry Awards for people studying First State history. The Heritage Commission works with sister agencies within the Delaware Department of State (museums, archives, veterans, arts) to fulfill that mission.
About Delaware Public Archives
As the repository for records of Delaware state and local governments, the Delaware Public Archives contains millions of documents and other materials that can help with researching one’s genealogical roots and conduct historical research. Among these records are census materials, vital statistics including birth, death, and marriage records; tax assessments, probate/estate records, land deeds, and military records.
The Delaware Public Archives also preserves a large amount of genealogically related materials that were of private origin. These records include family histories, bible records, church records, manuscript genealogies, and newspapers.
Related Topics: DE250, Delaware 250, Delaware Heritage Commission, Delaware Public Archives, grants
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
The fiscal year 2027 forecast remained relatively flat from the October meeting. But some expenses declined, including salaries for teachers. Brian Maxwell, state director of Management and Budget, said teacher salary expenses were down because student enrollment has dropped. He said federal immigration policy could be impacting the state’s Multilingual Learners.
“Obviously, there have been a number of students that may not be showing up to class just because of the enforcement of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement],” he said. “So some of the families may be scared to actually send their kids to school.”
Maxwell said overall enrollment is down, but the number of students needing special education services is up. The next student count is in February.
DEFAC members also discussed the revised Healthcare Spending benchmark. In September, the subcommittee devised a methodology that only used healthcare inflation, resulting in a 7.13% for 2026.
“We all gathered in October and there was a fair amount of concern with that outcome,” said Christen Linke Young, director of Health and Social Services. “So the subcommittee reconvened earlier this month to consider a new approach.”
After adopting the methodology using expected national inflation data and a three-year measure of health care cost growth, the benchmark now sits at 4.9%. But Young said there would be no penalty for hospitals exceeding the guideline.
Gov. Meyer and the state’s largest nongovernmental employer, ChristianaCare Health System, reached an agreement earlier this year in a lawsuit the regional hospital system filed last year. The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board was created by lawmakers in June 2024 to try to rein in hospital spending. But the agreement, which requires new legislation and the governor’s signature, would strip the board of its authority to approve and modify hospital budgets.
How to safely shovel snow
The Mayo Clinic has some tips for safely shoveling snow.
Delaware may have seen its first snowfall of the season, but it won’t stick around for long.
Despite below freezing temperatures Dec. 15 and Dec. 16, it’s possible that by the weekend there won’t be a trace of snow.
Here’s what to know about this week’s weather and snow melt.
When will the snow melt away?
While Delaware will face freezing temperatures Dec. 15 and Dec. 16, the National Weather Service forecast is calling for a warmup starting on Dec. 17. Here’s the forecast:
New Castle County
Cold weather will continue this evening and into Dec. 16 with lows dropping into the teens. The county will hit 32 degrees on Dec. 16 before dropping to 22 that night. Temperatures start climbing into the low 40s with partly sunny skies on Dec. 17. Highs will hit 51 degrees on Dec. 18. If most of the snow hasn’t melted by that point, it should be gone after rain goes through the area during the overnight between Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Highs will remain above freezing, hitting 44 on Dec. 18.
Kent County
Lows will drop into the teens overnight before climbing above freezing on Dec. 16. On Dec. 17, Kent County will see partly sunny skies with highs in the upper 40s. It will be mostly cloudy on Dec. 18 with highs hitting 55. There’s a 90% chance of rain during the overnight hours into Dec. 19. The 19th is looking mostly cloudy with highs reaching 47.
Sussex County
After lows hit 19 during the overnight tonight, the high for Dec. 16 will be 38 degrees with sunny skies. Any snow in the southern part of the state will vanish Dec. 17 and Dec 18. Both days will feature sunny skies with highs reaching the low 50s on Dec. 17 and almost hitting 60 on Dec. 18.
What is black ice?
Despite the warm up, overnight temperatures are expected to be below freezing. If you are driving at night, you’ll need to watch out for black ice.
According to The Weather Channel, black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on roads and is difficult to see. It’s generally found on bridges, overpasses and spots on the road shaded by trees or other objects.
If roadways are wet from rain, snow or fog and temperatures drop below 32 degrees, black ice can form on roadways.
If you hit black ice, you should do the following:
- Keep your steering wheel straight.
- Do not brake
- Take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed
Safety tips to help you drive in the snow and ice
Winter driving can be hazardous, here are a few tips to help you survive the winter driving season.
Potentially icy road conditions have led every public school in Delaware to announce delayed openings for Dec. 15.
Every public school is operating on some sort of delay, most of which are two hours. The Delaware Department of Transportation already sent out a warning about treacherous driving conditions. Whatever has not dried from the Dec. 14 snowstorm will freeze over as temperatures plunge into the 20s and winds kick up over night.
The following school districts have announced delays.
New Castle County
- Red Clay- 2 hours
- Christina- 2 hours
- Brandywine- 2 hours
- Colonial- 2 hours
- Appoquinimink- 2 hours
- New Castle County Vo-Tech- 2 hours
Kent County
- Smyrna- 2 hours
- Capital- 1 hour
- Lake Forest- 2 hours
- Polytech- 2 hours
Sussex County
- Milford- 2 hours
- Woodbridge- 2 hours
- Cape Henlopen- 2 hours
- Laurel- 2 hours
- Seaford- 2 hours
- Delmar- 90 minutes
- Indian River- 2 hours
- Sussex Tech- 2 hours
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
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