Historic Museum
In the past, the museum building operated as a one- room school for many of our local children in the area also. While the official name may have been Warwick #225, many of those who attended the school called it Harmon School. In 1964, the school also closed its doors and the students were transferred to Millsboro School. The building was renovated in 1982 by many of our area residents. In 1984, the state of Delaware gave the building to the Nanticoke Indian Association and it was registered on the National Record of Historic Landmarks.
The museum is located on the corners of Route 24 (John J. Williams Hwy.) and Route 5 (Oak Orchard Rd.). The Museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., during the month of April, and Tuesday thru Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m May thru October. Anyone interested in scheduling a group tour, please feel free to contact the museum at (302-945-7022) |
The museum stores many of the artifacts that give a glimpse into the history of the Nanticoke Indians. Many visitors tour the museum to view the jewelry, pottery, spears, and arrow points used by our ancestors in the past. One can observe the intricate beading on the jewelry for those who are interested in Native American jewelry. Others come to hear the history of "The People of the Tide Water" by our dynamic tour guide, Patience Harmon. Mrs. Harmon is so dynamic in her presentation of the museum that she receives special fan mail esteeming her stupendous, eloquent skills. She is truly an asset to the Nanticoke Indian Museum. In addition, Joan Ridolfi has joined the staff at the Nanticoke Museum this year and we welcome her to our staff.
One particular area of interest to the avid reader is our library room. Through a grant received by Indian Mission Church we were able to add to the book collection due to the diligent work of Sylvia Pinkett and Jean Norwood. The library has a number of books on Native Americans and the history of the Delaware and Virginia Indians. Videos are also available to gather more insight into the culture and history of the Nanticoke Indian tribe. This past year some of our youth and area residents were able to gain further knowledge of the Native Americans through a Native American study. Bi-monthly study groups were conducted on a different book and the group concluded with the viewing of a film to enhance the knowledge of the culture and history of the Native Americans. Many of the books we reviewed are available at the museum for the voracious reader.
The primary funding for the museum is through the proceeds of the POWWOW and the generous donations of our visitors. We are most grateful for the many contributions given to us to add to our collection of artifacts, as well as the monetary donations we receive to operate the museum. We extend our sincere gratitude to the many who have made contributions this year and to the many who have contributed in the past. To the many who visit or volunteer in our museum we thank you also.
Anyone who contributes two hundred dollars gets their name inscribed on a plaque inside the museum. All donations are tax deductible, so if you would like to be inscribed in our history please consider making donations to the Nanticoke Indian Museum.
In order to schedule tours you may call the museum at (302) 945-7022 for days and times of operation.