SEAFORD, Del.- Once the 1934 Old Post Office, the Seaford Museum opened its doors back in 2003. In this week of our One Delmarva series, we see how this western Sussex County landmark is working to showcase the diversity of the First State.
Seaford, Del., is a town that's filled with a diverse history, but sometimes, you have to look a little bit harder to find it.
The Seaford Museum is trying to change that. The museum is teaming up with the Seaford Historical Society for a new diverse exhibit, so that they can tell "History Through Families."
When Curator Jim Blackwell joined the Seaford Museum, he knew that changes were needed.
"One of the things that I noticed early on was that our museum didn't represent the entire town of Seaford," Blackwell said.
So the Seaford Historical Society brought in help. Dara Savage is helping create the "History Through Families" exhibit.
"We're looking for anything that would help tell the African American story that could be placed in the museum," Savage said.
She knows the importance of sharing the African American experience.
"It has a huge impact, not only just during the time of the exhibit, but to also expand the horizons of folks so that they understand that there's more than one story to be told," Savage said. "Every story has more than one side, and we'd just like our story to be told."
The exhibit will feature community donated artifacts that tell those stories, even as simple as an old yearbook.
The Rev. Ron Houston says this representation is long overdue.
"All throughout history, when I was going to school, graduated from high school, studying to get my doctorate degree, there is very little written about African American history. So I think it was, it is a great idea to just showcase some of it," Houston said.
He hopes this can be an inspiration for others.
"My prayer is that Seaford would be the yeast for the other communities to rise up and look into their pasts, and start exhibiting their experiences, and their communities," Houston said.
"History Through Families" is set to open early next summer.
While the exhibit is only temporary, the team behind it believes it will bring lasting change to make sure everyone's stories are heard.
The museum is still looking for artifacts and stories from the community for the exhibit. If you have something you believe could help add to the exhibit, find out how to get involved here.
