The Bordley History Center on the corner of has been a veritable hive of activity these past few weeks, starting with their ‘soft opening’ Downrigging Weekend. The Spy stopped in on a recent fall afternoon to chat with Historical Society of Kent County Director Diane Daniels and some of the shop volunteers: Dana Mitchell,Sandy Frohock, and Barbara Jorgenson,
Named after the Bordley/Schottland family who donated the building for this purpose, the new center will promote Kent County as a living classroom of Maryland history, Daniels stated that plans include, “… interpretive exhibits, a research library, special programming, children’s activities,” and that, “… it will serve as a community resource focusing on education and economic enhancement through the promotion of heritage tourism for the entire county.”
Both Daniels and Jorgenson remarked on the Center’s desire and feeling of responsibility to the community to keep the premier space active. Daniels added that she was thrilled that as they move ahead with their plans, people will know what they are doing. For example, she explained, this was the first year that many in town were aware of their annual Ghost Walks, as they started at the Bordley Center. The Ghost Walks are held every Halloween weekend and feature guides sharing local folklore; the White Swan Tavern’ apparition, where George Washington really did sleep, Water Street’s“Woman in White,” and the famous Court House ghost, generally sell out each year, and are extremely popular with out of town and out of state visitors. Daniels said that the new Center is a tremendous boost, not only for the Historical Society, but for all of Kent County.
Plans include a retail shop in front, with an interperative space behind. Daniels said the Center particularly wants to dramatize the experience and real lives of those who lived in the county and the environmental context. It will not just be the history of the county’s “movers and shakers,” and plantation and business owners, but also servants, slaves, freed blacks. Their library (currently in the Geddes Piper House), will be installed on the second floor. Funds need to be raised for an elevator as well.
Upcoming exhibits include “Voices of Kent,” an oral history collected in the 1980s shown in conjunction with photographs by Tyler Campbell. In the meantime, Daniels encourages all to stop in and view the new location and peruse the shop. Lucy the Goose is now available as a sweatshirt and ceramic ornament. Mugs are imprinted with images of old postcards, Stepney Manor is featured on a new ceramic trivet. And for those of you who disdain e-cards, Christmas cards decorated with Fountain Park (photographed at night by The Finishing Touch’s own Bob Ramsey) have just arrived.
Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm, Friday 10am – 5 pm.
Bordley History Center
Corner of High and Cross
301 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
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