"Delaware: A Northeastern U.S. State Known for Its Corporate Laws and Coastal Scenery"
In a recent announcement, several historical institutions in Delaware have been awarded grants for various projects aimed at preserving and enhancing their collections.
The Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation in Wilmington received a significant grant of $112,203 to process the papers of interior designer William Pahlmann. The foundation also received $8,800 to survey historical records of the seven railroads that were combined to form the Conrail system, and to make recommendations for preservation and use of the records (77-001).
Meanwhile, the Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation, along with the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, both located in Wilmington, will receive funds for archival projects. The Winterthur Museum was granted $14,520 to inventory records of a decorative arts museum, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive records management and archival program. The Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation was awarded $7,183 for a feasibility study and pilot program to establish a regional archival processing center in the Mid-Atlantic states.
The Delaware State Historical Records Advisory Board, based in Dover, received $10,950 to analyze the current condition of historical records in the state and recommend action. The Delaware Public Archives, also in Dover, received $3,838 for administrative costs of the Board, and $22,865 to digitize the Early Legislative Papers Collection.
A notable grant of $394,550 was awarded to the Historical Society of Delaware for a mobile digitization lab project. However, publicly available information on this specific project was not found in the current indexed sources, suggesting that more detailed information might be available directly from the Society or their official communications.
The Delaware Bureau of Archives and Records Management received funds for several projects. They were granted $49,562 for a two-year project to develop a comprehensive local public records program for Delaware, $9,449 to support travel and meeting expenses of the Delaware State Historical Records Advisory Board, and $42,500 to support a fellowship in archival administration.
The University of Delaware, located in Newark, received grants for several projects as well. They were awarded $215,085 to support the John Dickinson Writings Project, and $20,731 to digitize the papers of George S. Messersmith. The Hagley Museum and Library received $62,485 for the Industrial Design Collection Processing Project, and $95,020 to process papers of designers Ken White and Marshall B. Johnson.
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs received $18,129 to establish an automated database management system for information about the archival holdings of the state. The City of Wilmington was granted $3,878 to develop a systematic approach to the maintenance and protection of city records.
The total funding for all projects announced is $1,733,389. The Council of State Historical Records Coordinators received $298,430 for a project to strengthen state archival and records programs.
These grants will undoubtedly contribute to the preservation and accessibility of Delaware's rich historical records, ensuring they remain a valuable resource for future generations.
- The grant awarded to the University of Delaware will aid in enhancing the John Dickinson Writings Project, a business related to education and self-development.
- The Hagley Museum and Library's grant for the Industrial Design Collection Processing Project signifies a significant investment in the manufacturing industry, as this project deals with design materials.
- The financial support received by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will enable their career development and skills training, by establishing an automated database management system for state archival holdings.
