Nancy Alexander departs Rehoboth Beach Museum directorship

After 15 years of diving into history at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Director Nancy Alexander is leaving her post. Alexander became the society's first full-time paid director and has guided the organization since the museum's opening in 2007. She led the museum during its expansion to the second floor, oversaw the tripling of items in its permanent collection, curated permanent and rotating exhibits of quality, and developed a robust public program schedule.

Alexander explained that the museum began as the vision of the late Warren MacDonald, a former Rehoboth Beach Historical Society president. The concept was realized under the guidance of the late President Bill Bahan, expanded upon by Presidents Harvey Waltersdorf and Paul Kuhns, and shepherded through the tumultuous time of COVID-19 by President J. David Mann III. 

Of her time as director, Alexander said, "The incredible volunteers, particularly docents and collections volunteers, made my experience joyful. The Beach Ball committee chairs made significant contributions to the growth of the museum. The membership challenged us every day to provide exhibits and programs of excellence. The City of Rehoboth Beach, particularly Mayors Sam Cooper and Stan Mills, legislators including Pete Schwartzkopf, Ernie Lopez and Russ Huxtable, and Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer provided a solid foundation on which this great asset to the community grew. Every member of the staff outshines me in every way."

She concluded, "No one person can call himself or herself ‘The Rehoboth Historian.’ The history of this city resides in the collective memories of all who cherish it."

Mann said Alexander will be missed. A search committee for her replacement will begin its task soon.