HERITAGE COMMISSION RECOGNIZES SKIPPER PURNELL BY NAMING GRANT IN HIS HONOR

For Immediate Release
 

As a way of recognizing the invaluable contributions over many years of Sussex Countian Lewis M. "Skipper" Purnell, the Delaware Heritage Commission has renamed its challenge grant program in his honor. The grant program, which will henceforth be known as the "Purnell Challenge Grant Program" is designed to encourage the efforts of public and private organizations and individuals in projects to preserve their history and heritage.

 The Commission took this action to honor Mr. Purnell not only for his many years of service as a commission member but for his contributions as a long-time advocate for Delaware libraries, historical societies, small museums, the Delaware Public Archives and First State history and heritage. The highlight of each year's Joint Finance Committee hearings was his passionate plea for funding libraries, the archives, and historical endeavors. Mr. Purnell was always the last to speak at the hearings, and in a touching tribute this year he received a standing ovation from the members and the public.

 Mr. Purnell, a native Sussex Countian, spent some three decades as an official of the U.S. foreign service before returning home in 1975 to what can only be termed a hyperactive retirement. Over the next three decades, he and his wife, Til, distinguished themselves with service on a whole host of state boards and commissions and as activists in a wide variety of causes, including environmental preservation, the League of Women Voters, public libraries, and historical and cultural affairs. They will move this spring to a new home in Charlottesville, Va.

 Please contact the Commission at 302-744-5077 (Kent and Sussex residents) or 577-5077 (New Castle County residents) to learn more about the Purnell Challenge Grant or view the grant program online at www.state.de.us/heritage .

Contact: Paul Bauernschmidt
(302) 744-5077