Discover Delmarva: Milford Museum
MILFORD, Del. – The Delmarva peninsula is filled with historic sites and towns we experience every day. The Milford Museum holds the rich history of the town and tells the stories of those who call it home.
Tom Summers the director of the museum tells WMDT, “We hope that people who visit the museum will learn something about the town of Milford. How it started, what the industries were here, what people did for leisure throughout the town.”
One of the main drivers in the development of Milford was the shipping industry. The convenient location along the Mispillion River provided a unique location to build this industry. “The ability was there to create these boats and ships along the river, and then actually take them out to the Delaware River and Bay.” Some of the ships built in these shipyards were used for both World War I & II; Only one shipyard has survived to this day,” says Summers.
The museum displays an old map of the town showing the early reliance on the water. Plus, it shows some of the historic buildings still stand to this day. “It’s important to understand how Milford got started. We show that map of Milford in the late 18th century and it shows how the town started to develop geographically and what businesses emerged,” explains Summers.
Throughout the town historic buildings are still on display showcasing the rich history. The museum used to be an old post office where the first security system was installed. In the library, a flash from the past of the old papers shows a glimpse of what life was like in the town.
The industries in Milford evolved from shipbuilding into things like dentistry, and canning to very unique inventions coming from this storied place. Summers tells us, “For something unique, I think it’s the Dixie cup spoon people don’t realize that those little Dixie cup spoons which they ate their Dixie cups with back in the day were produced here in Milford.” This invention came from the metallic flavor some would get from metal spoons. The wood provides a neutral flavor to enjoy your frozen treat with a better taste.
The museum also highlights the importance of the Milford Eleven and Seven. The Milford Eleven tried to integrate Milford High School in 1954 unsuccessfully. Paving the way 11 years later for the Milford Seven to successfully integrate the high school.
Summers tells us “I think that a lot of people that come here just think that Milford is a small town. What could I possibly see in the museum? But once they go through here and see what some of the industries have been in the past. What is some of the history of the area itself they’re amazed by what’s here.”
Summers says the museum will continue its 2025 American History Series Program on Saturday, March 8th at 1 pm. The program will feature “The Secret Rosies of World War 2,” which is free for the public at the Milford Public Library.
For more information on their other series programs or if you just want to visit the museum. Check out their website.
