Milford Museum to host event on Nanticoke Tribe’s enduring legacy

The Nanticoke Indian Tribe will be the focus of a new Milford Museum presentation.

MILFORD — The Milford Museum’s American History Series continues next month with a special presentation highlighting the heritage and resilience of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe.

Titled “The Nanticoke’s Lasting Legacy: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” the program will be presented by Dr. Bonnie G. Hall on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. at the Milford Public Library.

The Nanticoke, known as the “People of the Tidewaters,” first encountered Europeans in 1608 during the expedition of British Captain John Smith.

Despite centuries of cultural and political challenges, the tribe has remained committed to preserving its history, identity, and traditions.

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Dr. Bonnie G. Hall

Hall, a retired educator and member of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, will explore the tribe’s historical journey, including milestones such as the establishment of the Indian Mission School in the 1800s—an early effort to gain legal recognition in Delaware.

She will also examine the legacy of works like C.A. Weslager’s “Delaware’s Forgotten Folk,” challenging the notion of the tribe as “forgotten.”

This is a celebration of the First People of the First State.

Hall is currently chairs the Commemoration and Scholarship Committees for the Nanticoke Indian Association, Inc.

Hall retired from Delaware Technical Community College in 2010 after nearly three decades of service.

She holds degrees from Delaware Tech, Delaware State University, and the University of Delaware, where she earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She remains active in Southern Delaware’s nonprofit community and frequently shares her tribe’s culture with the broader public.

The event is part of the Milford Museum’s monthly series on local, state, and national history, typically held the second Saturday of each month.

Programs are free to attend and are supported by a grant from the Delaware Heritage Commission.

The Milford Public Library is located at 11 S.E. Front Street. For more information, contact the museum at (302) 424-1080 or email tom@milforddemuseum.org.