The Milton Historical Society is located in a former Methodist Church that was originally built in 1957. You can still see the original stained glass windows that were installed by the congregation in 1906. The building was purchased by Lydia Black Cannon and donated to house the collection of the historical society.
Dating back to 1737 when the first of over 200 ships were built here in Milton. Permanent shipyards turned out sloops and schooners. In the 1920s, the city became known as a button manufacturing capital. Yes, buttons. Workers here cut out blank buttons from abalone and mother-of-pearl imported from the Pacific Ocean in the seven button factories here in town. In the 1880s, the city was known for canning which took over some of the sites that had been used for shipbuilding. By the mid twentieth century, the Draper King Cole Cannery was the largest employer in Milton.
I found the museum's exhibit on the 1909 fire to be quite striking. Lots of history, memorabilia, newspaper articles and interviews with locals. There are photographs of the town before and after. The exhibit tries to answer the cause of the fire and even addresses a few of the more intriguing conspiracy theories. Compelling!
You can expect to spend about an hour reviewing the museum. It's very interesting and worth the time.
[Review 18184 overall - 101 in Delaware - 1706 of 2022.] read more