Three new employees join the division
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has recently welcomed three native Delawareans to its staff. Following are profiles of these newest members of the division family.
Based at the division’s main office at 21 The Green in Dover, Volunteer-Services Coordinator Jennifer Bowman is working to recruit, and fully utilize the talents of, a dedicated cadre of volunteers who can help the agency preserve Delaware’s historical legacy. Bowman grew up on a farm in north Dover and now lives in Felton. She holds a master’s degree in environmental science and education from Antioch University New England, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and animal behavior from Long Island University, Southampton College. Over the past 18 years, she has worked in environmental, historical and cultural education; and has conducted outreach for numerous organizations including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Cornell University. In addition, she has served as a program developer and outreach coordinator for the State of Delaware, and as a historic site interpreter at the division’s Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes.
As a Conservation Technician III working with the division’s Horticulture Team from its base at Buena Vista, Tyler Kowalski provides landscape support-services at the agency’s sites, helping to maintain a beautiful and safe natural environment that complements the historic nature of the individual properties. Kowalski has been interested in horticulture since an early age when he mowed lawns for pocket money. That initial seed later grew into his own landscaping business — Tyler’s Lawn Care. A 2018 graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in history, Kowalski grew up outside New Castle in a development that bordered the farm fields at the rear of Buena Vista. He always wanted to wander the property as a child and is now delighted that he is working from the site.
Based at the division’s maintenance facility in Dover, Physical Plant Maintenance/Trades Mechanic I Silas Wheedleton is a member of the Preservation Maintenance Team that works to maintain, repair and preserve the nearly 90 structures administered by the agency. A native of Seaford and long-time resident of Milford, Wheedleton recently earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Delaware where he was also active building sets and acting in productions of the E-52 Student Theatre. Prior to joining the division, he worked as a substitute custodian for the Cape Henlopen School District serving as an all-around handyman and troubleshooter.
