Lewes Lunch & Learn Feb. 14 highlights civil rights work of Otis Smith
The Lewes Historical Society's upcoming Lunch & Learn will take place at noon, Friday, Feb. 14, at the Hotel Rodney, 142 Second St. in Lewes as Tom Brown presents “Otis Smith, Civil Rights Activist.” The presentation will last 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer period.
Audience members have the option to bring their own bagged lunch or purchase a $12 boxed lunch from the Rose & Crown. This program is sponsored by Hotel Rodney.
Many are not aware of the efforts of former Lewes mayor and Lewes fisheries CEO Otis Smith's involvement in the civil rights struggles during the 1950s and 1960s. An early supporter of desegregation in the 1950s with his involvement in the National Conference of Christians and Jews, he was vice chairman of the Delaware Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Thomas E. Brown, PhD, CA, is a member of The Lewes Historical Society’s Trustees, Accreditation Team, Archives Committee, Collections Committee, and Education Committee. He is also a docent and program speaker. Brown acted as chief of staff of the National Archives and Records Administration for four years, as an archivist for eight years, and as the manager of the Archival Services Program in the Center for Electronic Records at the National Archives and Records Administration.
He has direct experience in all basic archival functions, including appraisal and acquisition, arrangement and description, reference services, preservation and conservation, outreach, promotions, and management. Brown has also held leadership positions with the Society of American Archivists, the International Association of Social Science Information Services, and the Academy of Certified Archivists.
The Lewes Historical Society hosts featured presentations, including various topics relating to Lewes history. Remaining 2014 program dates include March 14 and May 9. To learn more about The Lewes Historical Society, visit www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.
