Milford Historical Society plans Antique Show

Milford Historical Society will hold their fall Antiques Market on October 7

Milford Historical Society has planned their fall Antiques Market for Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Dealers from around Delmarva will be selling antiques and vintage collectibles on the lawn of Parson Thorne Mansion, located at 501 Northwest Front Street in Milford, which is managed by the historical society.

“The Antiques Market at Silver Hill dates back over twenty-five years,” Brooke Clendaniel of the Milford Historical Society said. “We are still accepting vendors for the event as well.”

Admission to the event is $1 and includes tours of the mansion. Clendaneil explained that the historical society is excited to show the public the renovations that are currently underway at the mansion and to learn more about plans to make one of the outbuildings on the property into a replica of a late 1700s sharecroppers’ cottage.

Items that will be available at the Milford Historical Society fall Antiques Market

“Downtown Milford Inc. and the Milford Historical Society were co-sponsors of Milford Heritage Festival at both the Riverwalk Park and the Parson Thorne Mansion,” he explained.  “There were tours of the Mansion, as well as a Civil War encampment on the front lawn. There were horse-drawn carriages providing transportation from downtown.”

Clendaniel continued.

“I asked the Trustees to let me try the outdoor antiques show concept with just few dealers along the brick walk. Four antique dealers agreed to participate that day. The idea has now blossomed into a successful semi-annual activity in May and October.”

In addition to vendors, Clendaniel explained that volunteers are also needed at the event.

“We are also looking for volunteers to help us at the event,” Clendaniel said. “We need tour guides for the mansion and to help with admission. The Milford Historical Society is hoping to expand over the next year, and we would love to have some volunteers who are willing to help us with our growth as well.”

The historical society has reached out to the Mispillion Art League to see if there is a way to partner the Antiques Market with the Big Draw Festival which is being held the same weekend. As details emerge about that partnership, they will be released to the public, Clendaniel stated.

The Antiques Market will feature antiques and collectibles

Dealers who are interested in space at the Antiques Market should email [email protected]. Clendaniel explained that space is limited and those interested should reach out as soon as possible. Anyone interested in volunteering should also use that email address.

The Parson Thorne Mansion at Silver Hill was the home of Reverence Sydenham Thorne, one of the founders of Milford. It was also the home of Governor William Burton and was the boyhood home of John M. Clayton who served as the United States Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor.