Museum program to mark anniversary of Rehoboth’s founding July 7

History will come alive at 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 7, when the Rev. Robert W. Todd, the founder of Rehoboth Beach, will appear at the city’s historical museum.

Todd will tell the dramatic story of Rehoboth’s beginning as a Methodist Episcopal Camp Meeting venue in 1873 and how the town grew and became a more secular resort for all, even sinners, in eight short years. 

Rehoboth native Roger Truitt, who has portrayed Todd for the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society for the past nine years, will appear in period costume to welcome “campers” in the audience to the first camp meeting. He also will explain the early development of Rehoboth as streets, a hotel and a boardwalk were constructed by the Camp Meeting Association and the railroad came to town in 1878. 

A special feature of the July 7 program will be presentations by the Rev. Charles E. Covington, who served as pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church on Baltimore Avenue from 1961 to 1976. Covington will discuss the last anniversary celebration of Rehoboth’s founding that took place in summer 1968, when a tabernacle was constructed on Rehoboth Avenue, and church services and other events were held there. He will also tell about his involvement with the Miss Delaware pageants during that era.  

Seating is limited. To make reservations, go to rehobothbeachmuseum.org/index.php/calendar.