A New Contributor!

We just started a two-week archaeological investigation in the rear yard of the Dutch House property. The work is being done by John Milner Associates. Their summer intern, Mary Jachetti, will be posting occsaionally to this blog to keep everyone up-to-date on what's happening with the dig. Check in frequently to read her updates from the field.

We're also planning a public "Archaeology Day" at the Dutch House on Saturday, July 9. Come out and learn about historical archaeology an see what discoveries are being made - quite literally in our own backyard!

Summer History Projects

It's been a while since we've had an entry on the blog...we haven't been working on the houses recently but we are just getting started with few really interesting projects...

- We have a Museum Studies intern from the University of Delaware working with us this summer to develop an audio walking tour of the New Castle Historic District. She's just finished her first week here and is recording her progress in a blog for the Museum Studies program...check it out here.

- We're going to be conducting a Phase II archaeological investigation in the rear yard of the Dutch House lot - probably beginning in July. Last fall we had a ground penetrating radar study completed, and that suggests there may be some very interesting features in the yard. Stay tuned for more...

- Finally, we're working with the Newlin Grist Mill to make bricks that will be used to restore the hearth in the Amstel House. We'll be completing all steps of the process ourselves. The project will also start in early July and we hope to fire the bricks on the first Saturday in October up at Newlin.

Check back to learn more about these projects throughout the summer!

Wilderness Battlefield Saved!

Great news! Wal-Mart has abandoned its plans to build a SuperCenter on land adjacent to Wilderness Battlefield outside Fredericksburg, VA!

Click here for more information.

Historic Preservation is Good For Delaware!

Next Tuesday, March 9, at 2 pm, Governor Markell is holding a press conference in front of the Queen Theater at 500 Market Street in Wilmington to announce his support for the reauthorization of the Delaware Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program.

Since 2001, the program's $34 million in tax credits have helped rehabilitate 75 buildings, generated more than $166 million in private investment, and yielded almost $90 million in household income.

Now is an excellent time to contact your state representatives to let them know that you support the reauthorization of the Delaware HIstoric Preservation Tax Credit Program.

For more information about the impact of this program on Delaware, check out the two new reports that are available on the State Historic Preservation Office website here.

President Proposes Termination of Two National Preservation Programs

In his new budget proposal to Congress, President Obama has called for the termination of the Save America's Treasures and Preserve America programs.

Save America's Treasures has helped preserved three major New Castle buildings: The New Castle Court House, The George Read II House, and the Bellanca Service Hanger on Rt. 273.

Elsewhere in Delaware it has funded the preservation of the Grand Opera House, the Smyrna Opera House, Gibralter, the Lewes Maritime Park, the Overfalls Lightship, & Andrew Wyeth paintings.

Preserve America promotes tourism in historic communities. Delaware communities that have benefited from the Preserve America program include Dover, Milton, and Lewes.

To read more about these budget cuts, take a look at this entry from the NationalTrust's PreservationNation blog.

Promoting Historic Windows

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is doing alot of work to publicize the many benefits of keeping historic windows in place rather than replacing them. Follow the link below to see a nice piece that aired on the local Fox News show in Washington DC earlier this month.

Historic Windows Get Some Love...

240 Year Old Tree

I came across a great story about one man's 50-year fight to keep an historic elm tree alive against all odds in Yarmouth, Maine.

Check out the story at here.

Mike