LinkedIn Article- Preserving Legacy, Inspiring Generations: Honoring the Lincoln Club of Delaware’s 96 Years of Impact

Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver stands with members of The Lincoln Club of Delaware after receiving their recognition.
Photo by Yesenia Taveras.

Preserving Legacy, Inspiring Generations: Honoring the Lincoln Club of Delaware’s 96 Years of Impact

By Yesenia Taveras, director of communications for Wilmington City Council

During the April 17, 2025, Regular Meeting of Wilmington City Council, Third District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver proudly recognized the Lincoln Club of Delaware for its 96 years of commitment to preserving the legacy of President Abraham Lincolnand promoting historical awareness in the state of Delaware.

Founded in 1929, the Lincoln Club of Delaware was established to maintain and expand what has become one of the finest collections of Lincolnian memorabilia in the nation. Now housed at the University of Delaware, the collection includes thousands of items such as books, pamphlets, manuscripts, archival documents, broadsides, photographs, periodicals, and objects of historical significance that offer a compelling window into the private and public life of the 16th President of the United States.

One of the collection’s most storied artifacts is a Civil War-era shawl that President Lincoln gave to Colonel John Schoonover to shield him from the cold. This personal gesture of compassion was passed down to the colonel’s son, Frank Schoonover, a renowned illustrator who later served as the Club’s president from 1950 to 1951. This shawl, like many other items in the collection, is a tangible symbol of Lincoln’s humanity and the enduring values he embodied.

Originally bequeathed in 1938 to the Wilmington Institute Free Library by club member Frank G. Tallman, the collection opened to the public in 1941. When the library underwent renovations in 1969, the collection faced possible abolition. Thanks to the University of Delaware, the items found a new home at the Goodstay Center in Wilmington, where they remain accessible for public education and academic research. In 1998, the collection was divided between the University’s Library Special Collections in the Hugh M. Morris Library and the Goodstay Center, ensuring its preservation and availability for generations to come.

Councilwoman Oliver expressed her deep appreciation for the Lincoln Club’s contributions to historical scholarship and civic awareness. Her resolution concluded with a message of gratitude and encouragement:

“Job Well Done. We wish the Lincoln Club of Delaware continued success for generations to come.”

As the city celebrates this milestone, it also reaffirms its commitment to supporting institutions that protect and elevate the stories that define the American experience.