CHESTERTOWN — The Historical Society of Kent County is pleased to announce its newest exhibit, highlighting Galena. Produced in partnership with the town of Galena, the exhibit begins with its founding in the mid-18th century, and traces the history of the town that has been called “the gem of North Kent County.” Visitors will learn about Galena from the colonial era to the 21st century, including the famous ride of Tench Tilghman, aide-de-camp to General George Washington, who carried the news of the end of the Revolutionary War to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Artifacts from Galena’s past are also included.
Historical Society President Barbara Jorgenson and Town of Galena Zoning and Historic Resources Coordinator Amber Engelbach did the research and writing, with design by Englebach. Jorgenson says, “We were so fortunate to have the full cooperation of Galena in creating this exhibit and in the talent of Amber Engelbach, who not only designed the exhibit but who delved deep into local resources for the many photographs and unique bits of Galena history that are included.“ Special thanks to Galena Mayor John Carrol and to Engelbach, as well as to Stories of the Chesapeake and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for funding that made this exhibit possible.
The exhibit will be up through July at the Bordley History Center, after which it will move to another location in Kent County. The Historical Society will mount two more exhibits this year exploring the history of Kent County towns, with Still Pond featured beginning in September, and later, Rock Hall. Anyone with information or photographs related to these towns is encouraged to share them for possible inclusion by contacting the Historical Society at 410-778-3499 or by emailing director@kentcountyhistory.org.
Stay tuned for details about other upcoming programs and events from the Historical Society. In the works for this summer is a special screening of videos capturing Chestertown through the years and a presentation by historic preservation scholar Darius Johnson, who will share some of his research on Big Woods, Coleman, Still Pond, Butlertown, and Worton Point, along with stories of life in these communities from some of the people who have lived in them.
Later in the year, the Historical Society and ShoreRivers will partner to present an engaging presentation on the Chester and Sassafras Rivers as written about in Hulburt Footner in his book “Rivers of the Eastern Shore”. Footner’s granddaughter, Karen Footner and longtime Delmarva journalist Dennis Forney will lead an immersive journey into Eastern Shore history focused on Kent County’s rivers, followed by a discussion with Riverkeepers Annie Richards and Zach Kelleher, providing insight into the current state and future of these vital waterways.
The Historical Society of Kent County offers a welcoming community and invites everyone to get involved as a member. Membership benefits include unlimited use of the Genealogy and Research Library (by appointment), a discount on books in the museum gift shop, and invitations to members-only events, among others. A donation of $25 is recommended for individual memberships, and $40 for families. Student memberships are always free. Visit www.kentcountyhistory.org for more information, or email admin@kentcountyhistory.org.
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