Restoration of Reith Hall’s Stained-Glass Windows 

In early 2027 the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) will undertake preservation and restoration work on the stained-glass windows at Reith Hall.  

Built in 1880, Reith Hall originally served as an annex and Sunday school for the Presbyterian Church before the congregation relocated to State Street.  Acquired by HCA in 1950, the building currently houses the Dover’s Children’s Theatre, Inc.  The hall is named for Wilhem Reith, a German stained-glass artisan who designed its windows from his studio in Philadelphia.    

The project will involve the removal and off-site stabilization of all 16 stained-glass windows.  Each window will be carefully cleaned and assessed, and any damage to the glass, lead caming, or wood will be repaired in kind using appropriate materials and methods.  Areas where glass is already missing will remain filled with clear glass to preserve the windows’ existing historic character.  Specialized stained-glass contractors will perform the work in accordance with Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.    

As part of the restoration project, window frames and damaged surrounding masonry will be repaired before the windows are installed.  To provide additional protection from the elements and help preserve the historic glass, clear protective covers in aluminum frames will be installed over the stained-glass windows.  This approach is used at historic buildings nationwide and is consistent with accepted preservation practices.    

Assessments indicate that the windows are in overall sound condition.  Through this preservation effort, HCA aims to protect these significant historic features and ensure that Reith Hall’s nearly 150-year-old windows will remain in place for future generations to appreciate.