Zwaanendael Museum’s Beth Gott retires after 30 years of service
During a luncheon held on April 8, 2019, a group of friends, relatives and colleagues celebrated the career of Beth Gott who will retire on April 18, 2019 after 30 years of service at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Del. Gott began her career in 1989 as a museum aide. Over the years, she advanced to the positions of public information clerk, historic-site interpreter, and finally, as lead historic-site interpreter for the Dutch-inspired museum that showcases the Lewes area’s maritime, military and social history.
Originally from Potomac, Md., Gott’s family frequently vacationed in Lewes during her childhood. In 1978, her parents relocated to the seashore resort where they established an antique business. After attending the University of Maryland where she studied elementary education, Gott herself moved to Lewes where she worked for her parents’ business, and for a number of early-childhood-education organizations.
During her tenure at the Zwaanendael Museum, Gott helped to create the historical-theater productions “Who Did In the Delaware Ducks?” and “Blood Diamond: The Murder of Ebe Lynch”; developed museum tours and programs; established programs for Girl Scout troops; and conducted several presentations on the history of Lewes and of shipwrecks in Delaware waters.
After taking time off, Gott’s retirement plans include travel and doing some creative writing in both the fiction and non-fiction genres.