Kent County Levy Court Passes Resolution Supporting Creation of Greater Dover Museum

L-R: County Administrator Kevin Sipple, Commissioner Jeff Hall, Commissioner Paul Hertz, Museum Committee member Anthony (Tony) DePrima, Ph.D., Chairman of the Museum Committee Tom Smith, Levy Court President Joanne Masten, Levy Court Vice President Robert Scott, and Commissioner Jody Sweeney / Image courtesy Kent Levy Court

The Kent County Levy Court along with the Dover Mayor and City Council and the Downtown Dover Partnership have formally expressed support for the creation of the Greater Dover Museum (Resolution No. 4171). Officials say the Greater Dover Museum will play a vital role in downtown revitalization efforts, serving as a cultural anchor and a destination for residents and visitors alike. The museum is expected to enhance tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen Dover’s identity as a center of history and heritage in Kent County.

Additional information from Kent Levy Court:

Through the passage of Resolution No. 4171, Levy Court Commissioners confirmed their commitment to preserving the rich historic cultural and natural heritage of Kent County and the City of Dover and the nationally significant contributions made by the citizens of Central Kent County. Dover has been the county seat of Kent County government since 1683. “The creation of the Greater Dover Museum represents an important investment in preserving the stories, achievements, and heritage that define Kent County. Our history is one of resilience, innovation, and community, and it deserves a home where it can be shared with future generations.”

The resolution recognizes the efforts of Friends of Old Dover, Inc., which has built an extensive collection of historical documents and artifacts. Currently housed in limited space, the collection highlights the need for a dedicated, expanded museum facility.  In response, the Friends have proposed the establishment of a new independent nonprofit organization, the Greater Dover Museum, Inc., which will focus on fundraising, construction, and long-term operation of a museum designed to properly house collections and offer expanded educational programming.  

The proposed Board will include representatives from key community and cultural institutions, ensuring broad-based leadership and regional collaboration. The Levy Court’s Resolution acknowledges that the Levy Court President or their representative may serve on the Board.  Greater Dover Museum will play a vital role in downtown revitalization efforts, serving as a cultural anchor and a destination for residents and visitors alike. The museum is expected to enhance tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen Dover’s identity as a center of history and heritage in Kent
County.

For more information about the initiative or opportunities to get involved, residents are encouraged to contact greaterdovermuseum@gmail.com