Delaware Tech cuts ribbon on Williams center in Millsboro

Delaware Technical Community College celebrated the grand opening of the John and Elsie Williams House Museum and Conference Center at a Nov. 8 ceremony commemorating the completion of the restoration of the Williams family home.

Situated on a corner of West State and Washington streets in Millsboro, the house was conveyed to Delaware Tech through the generosity of the Williamses’ daughter, Blanche Baker. She wanted the home to be transformed into a place where the community could learn about history, be reminded of the importance of core values and integrity in politics, and gain an appreciation of the impact her parents had on the community, state and nation.

“We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Baker and the entire family for their generous donation of her childhood home and the additional support we needed to transform this historic property,” said Mark T. Brainard, president, Delaware Tech. “Through the restoration and transformation of the Williams family home, we are able to honor the legacy of Sen. Williams and his wife, Elsie, for their countless contributions to our state and country.”

From 1947 until 1970, Williams represented Delaware in the United States Senate. Often called “the Conscience of the Senate,” he was a fearless opponent to wasteful government, bureaucracy and corruption. A Republican, Williams served 14 years on the Millsboro Town Council before he decided to run for the U.S. Senate. He went on to become Delaware’s first four-term senator. In all, he served for 24 years during the administrations of presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon. Williams died in 1988 at the age of 83.

Occupying several rooms within the original house that the Williamses built in 1927, the museum focuses on John Williams’ public service career and the significant role Elsie Williams played in the Washington, D.C., and local communities.

An expansion adjacent to the original house, the conference center will be available as a rental, but it will also be open to the public as a location for guest lectures and presentations that honor Williams and his work.

“Our Williams family is so very grateful to Delaware Technical Community College and the many people at the college who have worked very hard to bring my mother’s vision for the John and Elsie Williams House and Conference Center in Millsboro to a very successful fruition,” said Janet Baker McCarthy, the Williamses’ granddaughter. “Blanche Williams Baker, the only child of Sen. and Mrs. Williams, my grandparents, wanted so much to honor their remarkable legacy. Her dream is now realized.”

Baker had an opportunity to tour the completed home and museum during the Christmas 2024 holiday with her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She passed away in March at the age of 100.

“She passed knowing her dream had come true: sharing her parents’ legacy with all Delawareans and people far and wide,” McCarty said.