Zwaanendael Museum welcomes two new employees
On July 7, 2019, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Del. welcomed two new employees— Kaitlyn Dykes and Anthony Batterton—who will be helping the museum in its efforts to bring to life the Lewes-area’s maritime, military and social history.
After a nine-month hiatus in which she worked as the interpretive program manager for the First State Heritage Park in Dover, Dykes returned to the Zwaanendael Museum as lead historic-site interpreter where she assists site supervisor Bridget Warner in overseeing day-to-day operations, developing and implementing educational and interpretive programs, and coordinating community outreach and special events.
Dykes previously served as a historic-site interpreter at the museum from 2016 to 2018. During that time she led tours of the hull of the British warship DeBraak, and helped develop original programming including the museum’s mystery plays “Who Did In the Delaware Ducks?” and “Blood Diamond: The Murder of Ebe Lynch.” Her earlier career experiences include working as a volunteer manager for Delaware State Parks, as a historical interpreter at the Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park and as an archaeology intern for Jamestown Rediscovery. The Milford, Del. resident holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Commenting on Dykes’ appointment as lead historic-site interpreter, Warner noted, “It’s great having Kaitlyn back— and, this time, in a leadership role. Her knowledge and enthusiasm about Lewes-area history are outstanding. She will be a great asset in helping to tell our museum’s story.”
As part of his role as a historic-site interpreter, Batterton conducts tours and special programs at the museum and in the community. Originally from Florida, the Dover, Del. resident earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies in 2014 from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where, among other things, he worked as a guide giving tours of the historic campus. A free-lance genealogist, he has conducted research for the Daughters of the American Revolution, and has worked in a variety of church-education programs.
