St. Mark's High School sophomores Julie Clark, Kristy Willard, Brittany Drazich, and Emily Snyder, under the direction of teacher Eileen Wilkerson, developed the six- by four-foot display based on "Triumph and Tragedy," the theme for the 2007 National History Day Competition. This annual competition for students grades six through twelve is sponsored locally by the Historical Society of Delaware, Delaware Council for Social Studies, and the Delaware Department of Education.

Battling racial discrimination throughout her career, Marian Anderson overcame an impoverished childhood to sing her way into the hearts of millions as a Victor recording artist. In 1939, after being denied permission to sing at Washington, D.C.'s Constitution Hall because of that theater's whites-only performer policy, Anderson sang for over 75,000 people of all races at the Lincoln Memorial. The performance was broadcast nationwide and made Anderson a celebrity.

Over the course of an illustrious 40-year career, Anderson gave over two thousand performances worldwide, most notably singing for presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson; King Gustav of Sweden; and the King and Queen of England. In 1955, Anderson made her Metropolitan Opera debut, becoming the first African-American singer to perform there. In 1958, she was appointed a delegate to the United Nations, making several diplomatic trips as a "goodwill ambassador" to Africa and Asia. Anderson gave her final performance on April 18, 1965, at New York's Carnegie Hall.

The Johnson Victrola Museum highlights the life and achievements of Delaware's native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Through phonographs, memorabilia, trademarks, objects, and paintings, the museum showcases Johnson, his company, and the development of the sound-recording industry. The museum, located at 375 S. New St. between North St. and Bank Lane, in Dover, Delaware, is open from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and most holidays. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and appreciated. For additional information, call the Delaware Visitor Center at (302) 739-4266.

The Johnson Victrola Museum is one of eight museums administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), an agency of the State of Delaware working in partnership with the First State Heritage Park at Dover. HCA enhances Delaware's quality of life by preserving the state's unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality, and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. In addition to its museums, HCA operates two conference centers and manages over thirty historic properties across Delaware. Funding for HCA's museums, programs, and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly, revenue from HCA's History Stores, and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.