Dramatic 'Dive Into History' mural added to front of Rehoboth Museum

It’s a bird - it’s a plane - it’s - gadzooks - is it a mermaid?

A new look is coming to Rehoboth Avenue as the red brick Rehoboth Beach Museum, next to the Visitor’s Center, is being dressed with a mural on the east wall featuring a large, bright-red, vintage bathing-suited diver with bathing cap, and the logo, “Dive Into History.”

Museum Executive Director Nancy Alexander said, “While we have always felt that the museum needed better signage to attract visitors as they drive out Rehoboth Avenue, we’ve wanted to make sure that the images themselves match the history of Rehoboth Beach. What could be more perfect than a large mural celebrating swimming at the beach and promoting the idea of delving into the history of Rehoboth Beach?”

The mural, on an 8-by-12-foot canvas attached to the building, was installed by Arena Signs. The image itself was created by Group J Design, a graphic design firm. Both are Rehoboth Beach-area companies.

Alexander said, “We’re expecting a large turnout of visitors for the 2014 summer and shoulder seasons. We think this dramatic mural will enable our unique museum to not only stand out as a must-visit site for visitors and local residents alike, but now to also stand out as a visual icon of Rehoboth Beach’s past and present charm.”

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the museum will operate on its summer hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to its regularly revolving permanent exhibit, the museum, in conjunction with its Cruisin' exhibit, will be co-sponsoring a June 14 demonstration of vintage bicycles and riders in historic costume with the Delaware Chapter of the National Wheelmen's Association. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in adjacent The Grove park.

Rehoboth Beach Museum membership is available for $25 (individuals), $35 (households) and $50 (supporting). Members receive regular newsletters and email updates on museum activities, attend exhibit openings and receptions, receive free or reduced-rate participation in special trips and events, get discounts on selected items in the museum’s gift shop and receive reduced rates for a ticket to the annual Beach Ball fundraising party.

For more information go to 302-227-7310, go to www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org/jos or email rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.