Executive Committee

ASD officers and Executive Committee (ExCom) members are avocational and professional archaeologists who volunteer their time to the organization. Meetings are held every month in Dover Delaware. All ASD members are invited to attend monthly meetings. Please contact Craig Lukezic for meeting details.

Officers

Curtis McCoy, President cmccoy75@gmail.com

Alice Guerrant, Secretary ahg2050knitwit@gmail.com

John McCarthy, Treasurer asdtreasurer@gmail.com

Executive Committee

Dawn Cheshaek, Wildcat Representative chsh8kd@verizon.net

Steve Cox, Kent Chapter President stcrossroads1@gmail.com

Dan Griffith, Member-At-Large danielgriffith@comcast.net

John McCarthy, Membership Secretary asdtreasurer@gmail.com

Bill Liebeknecht, Bulletin Editor asdbulletineditor@gmail.com

Ed Otter, Inksherds Editor inksherds@comcast.net

Ed Otter, Sussex Chapter President docedo@comcast.net

Curtis McCoy, New Castle Chapter President cmccoy75@gmail.com

Jill Showell, Web Content/Social Media Manager jillynjhango@aol.com

Faye Stocum, ESAF Representative fayestocum@comcast.net

The Archaeological Society of Delaware (ASD)

1 day ago

This is not archaeology, but it is an important underrepresented history. Please, will you consider writing a letter and sending along to the email addresses provided?Dear Lewes Historical Society Member, Supporter, and/or Friend:

We are writing to engage your support of LHS’s recent restoration and relocation of the historically significant Menhaden Fishing Net Reel to the Society’s Second Street campus. Identifying with a pre-Civil Rights-era industry that sustained Lewes for more than a century while affording a rare opportunity for blacks and whites to collaboratively work side-by-side in a mostly segregated America, this reel is one of the last touchstones of a non-white 20th century narrative for the City of Lewes.

Its location on this central, highly visible site owned by the LHS — where it stands near a restored public schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, ferry house, and train station outbuilding — insures its deserved celebration, preservation, and security. Unfortunately, on November 18th, 2020, the City of Lewes challenged the near six-decade autonomy of the Society, regarding the oversight of its main campus and the interpretation of its collections on same. Based on what is seen by many as a misguided reach by the Lewes Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Commission, the City has directed the disassembly and removal of the reel from the LHS campus by the end of January 2021.

This decision seemingly ignores the professional standards and accomplishments of the Society, which has been entrusted since its 1962 founding with the identification, preservation, restoration, and exhibition of historically significant buildings, equipment, and artifacts representing the rich history of Lewes, Sussex County, and the state of Delaware. It also apparently disavows numerous statements, letters, and other means of communication in support of the reel and its location that have been directed to City officials over the last eight months.

It is with obvious urgency in mind that we ask you to take a moment to write to your city, county, and state officials to ensure the preservation of the Menhaden Fishing Net Reel on the main campus of the Lewes Historical Society. Recognizing that preservation is an act born of an appreciation for the past but beholden to the actions of the moment, we extend our shared appreciation for your efforts on behalf of the Lewes Historical Society.

Sincerely,

James Archer Abbott
Executive Director
Lewes Historical Society

Elizabeth Owen
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Lewes Historical Society

Email or send comments to:

Lewes, Delaware City of Lewes
114 E. Third Street, PO Box 227
Lewes, DE 19958

Mayor & Council:
Ted Becker: tbecker@ci.lewes.de.us
Andrew Williams: awilliams@ci.lewes.de.us
Tim Ritzert: tritzert@ci.lewes.de.us
Bonnie Osler: bosler@ci.lewes.de.us
Rob Morgan: rmorgan@ci.lewes.de.us

John Carney, Governor, Delaware: governor.delaware.gov/contact-connect/

Senator Tom Carper: www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-senator-carper
555 E. Loockerman St. Suite 300. Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 674-3308
Fax: (302) 674-5464

Senator Chris Coons: contactsenators.com/delaware/chris-coons
555 E. Loockerman St. Suite 330. Dover, DE 19901. P: (302) 736-5601 F: (302) 736-5609. Toll-Free: (877) 668-3368

Representative Linda Blunt Rochester: bluntrochester.house.gov/contact/

Delaware State Senator Dr. Ernesto B. López
Legislative Hall
Address411 Legislative Ave.
Dover, DE 19901 Leghall Phone: (302) 744-4136
email: ernesto.lopez@delaware.gov

Stephen Smyk: State Representative:
Legislative Hall
411 Legislative Ave.
Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 744-4171
email: steve.smyk@delaware.gov ...

This is not archaeology, but it is an important underrepresented history. Please, will you consider writing a letter and sending along to the email addresses provided?

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The Archaeological Society of Delaware (ASD)

2 weeks ago

In search of Harriett
www.fox10tv.com/news/us_world_news/harriet-tubman-birth-home-could-soon-be-found/article_bdbf16eb... ...

Harriet Tubman birth home could soon be found

fox10tv.com

Archeologists are trying to dig out a piece of American history in the woods of Maryland.

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