As part of the History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series, Zwaanendael Historical Interpreters Thomas Pulmano and Laurie Conner will provide a history of sea shanties and their use on ships. Afterwards audience members may join in a sing along of various historical shanties. 

Thomas Pulmano has worked with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) for over 15 years. Tom has had the opportunity to work in many facets of Delaware historical interpretation including exploring the states heritage, culture, and archeology. Prior to joining HCA, Tom served for 24 years in the U.S. Air Force where his travels took him, among other places, to the Netherlands where he learned the language and immersed himself in the culture. He holds a bachelors degree in liberal arts from Wesley College.

As a child, Laurie Conner spent her summer vacations at Cape Henlopen State Park and visiting the historical sites and museums in Lewes. She credits the large, diverse, and curious collection at the Zwaanendael Museum for her love of teaching and interpretating at various museum sites - from building dioramas at the Byron Prairie Preserve in Illinois to working as a zookeeper in her home state of Pennsylvania. Most recently she worked as a teacher and naturalist at Abbot’s Mill Nature Center in Milford.

The History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series is a collaborative effort of the Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Public Library. The Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay have been an integral part of Delaware’s history, and have connected the small state to global events and issues. Maritime communities and industries have taken advantage of Delaware's coast for centuries. Delawareans past and present have benefited and struggled against the water's constant change. Through lectures, music, and historical theater, the goal of History Revival: Coastal Chronicles is to widen the understanding of maritime history within Delaware.

This lecture series is partially funded by the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.