Division welcomes historic-site interpreters, executive housekeeper
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has recently welcomed two new historic-site interpreters at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes and an executive housekeeper at the Buena Vista conference/event center near New Castle. Following are profiles of these newest members of the division family.
As historic-site interpreters who conduct tours and special programs at the Zwaanendael Museum, Madeline Golden and Dante Silicato help bring to life the Lewes-area’s maritime, military and social history. A resident of Milton, Del., Golden grew up in Harrington, Del. She graduated in 2017 from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in English and history. As part of her studies, she earned a certificate in public history in which she was trained in how to effectively share historical information with diverse audiences and to critically examine how history is presented. Her degree also included an internship at the Morven Museum and Garden in Princeton, N.J. and study abroad in Greece.
Originally from Wilmington, Del., Silicato now lives in Milton, Del. with his wife Gwendolyn. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in early American history from West Chester University. A Renaissance man, Silicato has been involved in theater education in Wilmington and Arden, Del., and has lived in Hollywood, Ca. where he acted in several films and television programs. In addition to producing his own short film and documentary, he is interested in film history and hopes to create a film society in Milton and a traveling film series that will screen international films in communities across the region.
Executive housekeeper Carrie Shreve works hard to ensure that Buena Vista is clean and ready for the many visitors that attend events at the site. In addition to the upkeep of the house, her varied responsibilities include assisting with the set-up and break-down of events, food service, hospitality, customer relations and inventory management.
Shreve spent her childhood years in South St. Georges, Del. and later moved with her family to New Castle, Del. where she graduated from William Penn High School. She has worked as a receptionist, office manager and accountant for a variety of mechanical contracting companies. While living in Chincoteague, Va., she managed a team of workers for a house-cleaning business. She and her three children recently moved back to New Castle to be closer to her extended family.