Delaware installs two new historical markers in Seaford

SEAFORD, Del. – State Representative Danny Short and Historian Jim Bowden say more than 50 years ago their lives changed forever after schools in Seaford desegregated.

“Danny and I both have seen a lot of discord initially and then friendships,” said Jim Bowden, a historian.

“We’ve got life long friendships with people we probably would’ve never met if we hadn’t gone through desegregation,” said Bowden.

“I was actually going to Seaford High School when we had integration here in Seaford,” said Delaware State Representative Danny Shorts.

And on Tuesday both of them celebrated the installation of two historical markers at Seaford Middle School and Frederick Douglass Elementary School reminding them of how far they’ve come.

“It really just shows how far Seaford has come, the community and the school district and to be able to show just the history of our schools, how they were formed and how they evolved is great for us,” said Seaford School District Superintendent Corey Miklus.

According to Bowden, Seaford High School now Seaford Middle School was built in 1929 and only taught white students until it was desegregated in 1961.

On the other hand, Frederick Douglas School only taught African American students from 1922 until 1966 and for some time it was considered the most modern school in the area.

“Well, they had a modern heating system, they had running water. Some of the schools around here didn’t have any running water,” said Bowden.

“They had outhouses to go to the bathroom, so this was the most modern of schools,” said Bowden.

School officials tell 47ABC that as the school district continues to evolve and grow these markers help us remember where we came from.

According to Delaware Public Archives these markers will be dedicated later.

Officials say there are plans to install more historical markers in the area.