Jean Norwood reads one of the many resource books at the Nanticoke Indian Museum's research library. She is on a quest to uncover the rich historic past of her tribal ancestors. Jean will present "History and Genealogy of the Nanticoke Nation" at the Friday, November 21 meeting of the Lewes Historical Society at 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Parish Hall on Mulberry Street between Second and Third Streets in Lewes.

Capturing the historical and cultural past of the Nanticoke Indian nation is a challenge that has many obstacles, twists and turns. Learning about and maintaining tribal history and its effect on the future of the tribe have instigated a historic journey for tribal historians, Jean Norwood and William Davis, who will discuss their quest to unravel the "History and Genealogy of the Nanticoke Nation" at the Friday, November 21 meeting of the Lewes Historical Society. Because of the society's annual meeting to elect new board members and discuss other important business begins at 7:00 p.m., the presentation will begin at 8:00 p.m. (instead of 7:30 p.m.) at St. Peter's Parish Hall on Mulberry Street between Second and Third Streets in Lewes.

Jean Norwood, known by her peers as Princess Laughing Water, is the wife of Nanticoke Chief Tee Norwood (Tidewater Laughing Wolf). As director of historical and cultural affairs for the Nanticokes, she oversees operations of the Nanticoke Indian Museum on Route 24 in the heart of the Nanticoke community. Every year the museum attracts thousands of people, including vacationers, school groups, researchers and foreign visitors. She says that the museum helps promote Nanticoke traditions and she places great value on the importance of maintaining cultural and historic records.

She explains that "recording history a hundred years ago wasn't so important as it was to survive. In the early days the people were able to survive because they had a good work ethic. They farmed, planted orchards and raised poultry. Also, they were among the first Indians to use cloth for making garments because of their early contact with European settlers. Other crafts such as basketry and net making were important to the Tidewater People, as they are known, because of their proximity to the river and the inland bays."

According to Jean, knowing what the people did and how they lived provide key historic resources "however the custom of passing oral history from generation to generation is not always the best way to maintain our heritage and our rich past." She explains that "William Davis, who will also speak at the Historical Society meeting, will demonstrate how old deeds, wills, photographs and other written documents have played an important role in our quest to uncover and preserve our past."

She will discuss her personal experiences of growing up in Sussex County and being sent at an early age to an Indian "boarding school" in Kansas. She attended the Indian Institute High School and also took two years of post graduation schooling before returning to Delaware in the 1950s. Since that time she has played an active role in a wide range of tribal affairs.

The meeting is free and the public is cordially invited. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. The Lewes Historical Society is a private, charitable organization founded in 1962 and has restored 12 historic Lewes homes. The Society is a vibrant member-based organization with continuing activities and projects. For more information about The Lewes Historical Society Craft Fair or about the Society, please call 645-7670 or email events@historiclewes.org.

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