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Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society preserves and shares the history of Rehoboth Beach, DE, through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events, fostering appreciation for the town's cultural heritage and historical significance.

<p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">For Unto Us A Town is Born</strong></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Enjoy hot mulled cider and cookies gathered around the museum&rsquo;s miniature display of railroad era Rehoboth Avenue.&nbsp;Paul Lovett will use the diorama as a backdrop for a presentation on how the town grew after its establishment by the Methodist Episcopalians as a &ldquo;camp meeting location and Christian seaside resort&rdquo;. &nbsp;It will be a chronological story about the founding of the town, a story about saints and sinners; about fires and storms; about working families from rural Delaware, and tycoon wealthy families from big cities. &nbsp;How did they shape what Rehoboth has become today. &nbsp;Where did they live in the early 1900s, and what is there today.</p>

For Unto Us A Town is Born

<p fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Rehoboth Beach Main Street for a magical evening excursion to Longwood Gardens&#39; spectacular Christmas light display! Timing of this trip allows for viewing of the lights in the setting sun (between 4p-5p) before the cold sets in.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Details:</strong></p><ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Date:</strong> Wednesday, December 10th</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Departure:</strong> 11:00 AM from Rehoboth Beach Museum parking lot</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Garden Entry:</strong> 2:00 PM (3 hours to explore the grounds)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Sunset:</strong> 4:30 pm</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Garden Departure:</strong> 5:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Return to Rehoboth:</strong> 7:30 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Price:</strong>&nbsp;$100 per person (includes round-trip motor coach transportation and Longwood Gardens admission)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Limited seating:</strong> Only 58 spots available</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Please let us know in advance if you need any <strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">accommodations</strong> so that we can coordinate with the coach and the gardens. Thank you</li></ul><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Proceeds from this trip benefit both the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, two vital non-profit organizations serving our community.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p>

Longwood Gardens Bus Trip

<p fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the First State Paranormal Investigators for a spine-tingling evening as they conduct a professional paranormal investigation at the historic Rehoboth Beach Museum. On October 24th at 6:00 PM, experience the museum like never before as our team of experienced investigators explores the building&#39;s potential supernatural activity using state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Rehoboth Beach Museum, with its rich local history and collection of artifacts spanning generations, provides the perfect setting for this unique after-hours investigation. The team will be selecting specific artifacts from our collection to investigate, exploring whether these historical objects carry more than just memories from the past. Participants will witness firsthand how paranormal investigators work, learn about the tools and methods used to detect unexplained phenomena, and discover the fascinating stories and legends surrounding this beloved community landmark.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you&#39;re a skeptic or a believer, this investigation promises an unforgettable evening that combines local history with the mysteries of the unknown. Space is limited to ensure an intimate and authentic experience.</p>

Haunted Histories: Investigating the Museum Collections

<p fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Become a Member. Keep the Story Alive.</strong></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dive into Rehoboth Beach history with unlimited museum access, exclusive events, and special discounts. Your membership preserves the photos, artifacts, and stories that make our coastal community unforgettable&mdash;from Methodist camp meetings to boardwalk memories.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us in celebrating the past and protecting the future of Rehoboth Beach.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: inherit;">Because every great beach town has a story worth saving.</strong></p>

Become a Member. Keep the Story Alive.Dive into Rehoboth Beach history with unlimited museum access, exclusive events, and special discounts. Your membership preserves the photos, artifacts, and stories that make our coastal community unforgettable—from Methodist camp meetings to boardwalk memories.Join us in celebrating the past and protecting the future of Rehoboth Beach.Because every great beach town has a story worth saving.

Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Membership (Annual)

<p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YOUR GIFT BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When you support the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum you are preserving the threads that weave our collective story together. &nbsp;Your generosity ensures that families can walk in the footsteps of those that led the way, students can touch the past through authentic artifacts, and communities can understand their roots and heritage.</p>

YOUR GIFT BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFEWhen you support the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum you are preserving the threads that weave our collective story together. Your generosity ensures that families can walk in the footsteps of those that led the way, students can touch the past through authentic artifacts, and communities can understand their roots and heritage.

Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Memberships (monthly)

<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; table-layout: fixed; width: 600px;" id="isPasted" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; table-layout: fixed; width: 600px; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-bottom: 20px;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-bottom: 20px; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td align="left" fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; word-break: break-word; text-align: left;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; word-break: break-word; text-align: left; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;"><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join local historian Paul Lovett as he uncovers the fascinating transformation of the Thompson family farm into one of Rehoboth&#39;s most ambitious&mdash;yet forgotten&mdash;developments.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; table-layout: fixed; width: 600px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; table-layout: fixed; width: 600px; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td align="left" fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; word-break: break-word; text-align: left;" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; word-break: break-word; text-align: left; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;"><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the roaring 1920s, developers envisioned an exclusive enclave called Rehoboth Heights perched on a &quot;pine-wooded, fertile plateau&quot; between Silver Lake and Philadelphia and Christian Streets. The centerpiece? A grand country club that converted the old Thompson homestead into its first clubhouse.</p><p fr-original-style="margin: 0px;" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover how this South Rehoboth neighborhood promised sweeping ocean views from elevations of 25-35 feet (practically mountainous by beach standards!) and attracted well-heeled golfers to its scenic course.&nbsp;</p><p fr-original-style="margin: 0px;" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Perfect for history buffs, golf enthusiasts, and South Rehoboth and Country Estates residents curious about their neighborhood&#39;s hidden history!</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

From Farmland to Fairways:  The Lost Story of South Rehoboth

<p fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us for a wonderful day trip to Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C. &mdash; one of the most elegant house museums in America. Founded by Marjorie Merriweather Post, the cereal heiress and renowned philanthropist and collector, Hillwood showcases her extraordinary passion for art and beauty.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Explore the stunning 1950s mansion, where room after room reveals one of the finest collections of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, alongside exquisite French decorative arts ranging from S&egrave;vres porcelain to Faberg&eacute; treasures. Then step outside to stroll through thirteen acres of beautifully maintained formal gardens, including a French parterre, rose garden, Japanese-style garden, and a working greenhouse and cutting garden.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you&#39;re drawn by the art, the history, the gardens, or simply the glamour of Marjorie Post&#39;s remarkable life, Hillwood offers a truly unforgettable experience.</p>

Day Trip to Hillwood Estate

Tent Talk: Reverend Todd

<p fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From the colonial era to the present day, LGBTQ+ Delawareans have shaped the history of the First State &mdash; even when their stories went untold. Join us in June for Queering Delaware History, a program presented by Carolanne Deal, researcher and contributor to the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs&#39; groundbreaking digital project, LGBTQ+ History of Delaware: We Have Always Been Here.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Drawing on years of research, Carolanne will bring to life the queer people, places, artists, authors, and landmark documents that have left an indelible mark on Delaware history. This engaging program reclaims and celebrates stories that have too often been overlooked &mdash; because, as the history shows, we have always been here.</p>

Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

Events

Events

From Farmland to Fairways: The Lost Story of South Rehoboth

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Day Trip to Hillwood Estate

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Tent Talk: Reverend Todd

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Queering Delaware History

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Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Membership (Annual)

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