The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware is pleased to announce a grant from the Milton and Hattie Kutz Foundation for the Coxe House renovation project. News of the grant was welcomed by officers and board of directors of the JHSD.
JHSD archivist, Gail Pietrzyk, reported, “With the COVID-19 restrictions, we are not able to pick up our mail as often as we would like. It was a terrific boost to everyone to find such generous support from our members and the Jewish community in our mailbox.” Additional donations for the Coxe House and for the JHSD were also received.
The JHSD Board has been working on many of the preparations that are needed for this change. The by-laws of the 501(c)3 organization have been updated, a policy and procedure manual is under review and updated membership and financial management systems are taking shape.
“We have not only outgrown our space,” said archivist Pietrzyk, “we’ve outgrown our shoestring, bare-bones operation and the board has been amazing. They have worked very hard to help us reach this goal and prepare for the future. The generosity of the community and the dedication of everyone who has worked for this is so encouraging. I love the stories I find in the JHSD collections. So many of the organizations in the Jewish community started with someone who had an idea to serve the community and the determination and passion to get others involved. And those stories are not found only in the past. I see it happening today, for our work, and I am so happy to be a part of it.”
Work on the renovation project are moving forward and bids from contractors will be opened next month.