Milford Museum to Spotlight “The Era of McCarthyism” in October History Series Event

The Milford Museum’s American History Series will continue this October with a thought-provoking presentation titled “The Era of McCarthyism.” The event, led by Delaware historian and educator Emily Green, is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library.

The program will explore the tumultuous period of American history known as the McCarthy era, marked by intense anti-communist sentiment and widespread fear during the Cold War. Green will trace the roots of this period back to the First Red Scare after World War I, drawing striking parallels between that earlier moment and the more infamous investigations led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.

“While history may not repeat itself, it often rhymes,” Green notes. That sentiment will guide her exploration of the ways in which national fear, political power, and civil liberties collided during both eras. Attendees can also expect to hear about some surprising Delaware connections to this chapter of American history.

Emily Green, a native of Dover, brings a strong academic and teaching background to the presentation. A graduate of Dover High School, she earned her undergraduate degree in history from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in American history from Pace University. Her graduate research focused on women’s opposition to the second wave of feminism and the conservative shift in post-WWII America.

Green began her teaching career at Caesar Rodney High School and currently teaches at Polytech High School, where she was recently named the 2025 Polytech School District Teacher of the Year.

“The Era of McCarthyism” is part of the Milford Museum’s ongoing American History Series, which features monthly programs covering a wide range of topics in local, state, and national history. The talks take place on the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library, located at 11 S.E. Front Street in Milford, Delaware.

For more information, contact the Milford Museum at (302) 424-1080 or via email at tom@milfordDEmuseum.org.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.