Historic Manor in Camden to become abolition musuem with help from federal funds

CAMDEN, Del. – A first state landmark is set to become a historic site that will help highlight the history of abolition in Delaware.

The Goggin Manor House in Camden has received half-a-million dollars in federally earmarked funds to be converted into the Kent County historical and Underground Railroad Museum.
Delaware lawmakers say the funding and museum are a continuation of the will from the Goggin family that left the property to Kent County back in the 80s.

“In the Goggin Will when they signed it in 1988, specifically requested that Kent County use this land for recreational education and historical preservation purposes,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester who spoke at the dedication.

She says Delaware has a rich history of abolitionist and freedom fighting figures, and that museums like these will help to preserve that history and help a younger generation of students appreciate their local connection to the nation’s history.

“We are building the foundation for Delaware’s history to be recovered strengthened, fortified, and taught,” said Delaware Senator Chris Coons speaking at the announcement.

The future museum will feature more civil war and underground railroad artifacts  and information on how the manor played a pivotal part of helping escaped slaves free to the north in the 19th century.