Wilmington, Delaware — On Friday, October 30, 2020, the Delaware Historical Society and the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware held an official signing of the lease and operating agreements between the two organizations. The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware’s Co-Presidents, Dr. Gerald Resnick and Rabbi Peter Grumbacher and the Delaware Historical Society’s Executive Director, Dr. David W. Young signed documents which affirm in writing an understanding that has underpinned their relationship since the JHSD was established in 1974.
The Delaware Historical Society was also represented by Margaret L. Laird, PhD, Board Chair, Martha Moffat, Director of Building and Grounds, and Leigh Rifenberg, Chief Curator. JSHD Board Member Richard D. Levin and Archivist Gail M. Pietrzyk attended, and the Jewish Federation of Delaware was represented by Seth J. Katzen, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Following welcoming remarks by Dr. Young and Dr. Resnick, Rabbi Grumbacher offered a prayer in celebration of the event.
The magnitude of the achievement of laying the groundwork, concluding the necessary negotiations and raising the funds to support the renovations to the Coxe House during a pandemic was not lost on those present. The fundraising effort was launched on November 3, 2019. Construction is now underway, with an anticipated completion date in early February, 2021. The initial campaign to raise funds for the construction project was successful, but the goal to establish an endowment to support the work of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware continues. Donations may be made at https://coxehouse.org. Gifts are tax-deductible.
By attending the first meeting of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, on December 16, 1974, Dale Fields, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Delaware, expressed what would become the continuing supportive relationship between the two organizations. At the same meeting Rabbi David Geffen, PhD, one of the founders of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, announced that his article “Delaware Jewry: The Formative Years, 1872–1889” had been accepted for publication in Delaware Historical Magazine.
We are pleased that each of our organizations and historic collections have grown over the years and that the supportive relationship forged in 1974 remains strong. Through the agreements signed on October 30, 2020, we ensure that the stories and histories of the Jewish communities who call Delaware home shall have a home in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House, as the building will now be called.
In addition to the collections of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, collections of the Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee will also be housed in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House.
In the words of Board Member Richard D. Levin, “I have learned much from this experience. I feel fortunate to have been part of this project. I hope that our new home in the Delaware Center for Jewish History at the Coxe House will attract more people who also have had the wonderful experience of living as a Jew in our community to participate in the preservation and celebration of our rich heritage.”
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware is pleased to participate in an upcoming holiday window exhibition at the Delaware History Museum and looking forward to this opportunity “to shine on Market Street” with historical items reflecting the celebration of Hanukkah in Delaware.