Milford Historical Society to host antiques market Oct. 4

The Milford Historical Society will host its annual fall antiques market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct., 4, on the lawn of the historic Parson Thorne Mansion, 501 NW Front St., Milford.

Dealers from across Delmarva will showcase antiques and vintage collectibles at the event, which has been a community tradition for nearly 30 years. Artisan vendors will also be on site.

Admission is $1 and includes a guided tour of the mansion. Visitors will have the opportunity to see recent renovations including the sharecropper’s cottage, the kitchen and the newly completed Civil War bedroom.

“We are excited to show the public the renovations that are currently underway at the mansion,” said Ralph Prettyman, president of the Milford Historical Society. “The Civil War bedroom includes furnishings donated by or purchased from the Schelhouse family and were owned by General A.T.A. Torbert.”

In addition to tours, costumed guides will bring history to life by sharing details of the mansion’s past. Guests can also enjoy light refreshments inspired by early eras of the mansion, including cider, baked goods and lemonade.

“We will have tour guides dressed in period costumes to provide details on the mansion,” Prettyman said.

The Milford Garden Club will also participate, offering mums and fall flowers for sale, answering gardening questions and sharing membership opportunities. Milford Historical Society memberships will also be available.

Looking ahead, the historical society is working on a major addition to the property. “We are currently in the process of constructing a new visitor’s center on the property that will give us state-of-the-art collection storage, office space and meeting areas,” Prettyman said. “We will have drawings available for visitors to see. The new building will have event space as well as a gift shop once it is completed.”

To learn more, find Milford Historical Society on Facebook.