A History of Education on the Lower Delmarva Peninsula: 

A Preliminary Summary of our Research

Interest in education was evident in many of the first settlers on the Delmarva Peninsula . Public education did not exist at that time, and children were taught at home. Books were rare and highly valued, being passed from child to child. At first only the wealthy could afford them.

Laws passed in the late 1600's encouraged “learning.” Wealthy families sent their sons away to school (education for girls was not considered appropriate), and families with lesser income hired a tutor. At times several families pooled resources for that purpose.

In 1723 a plan was formulated mandating the establishment of schools in each of the ten counties in Maryland. Schools built on the lower shore merged in 1770. They were known as “academies” and were boarding schools for children of families who could pay the tuition. Prior to the American Revolution, taxes and duties on certain products and imports provided funds for education. At one time a lottery was used as a source of revenue.

In 1865 a public school system was established, and 24 one-room schools were constructed at a cost of $325.00. Until the schools could be built, space was rented in churches, lodge halls, and vacant buildings. At one time there were a total of 83 schools in the area. An 1867 convention required admission of female students to public schools. A few private schools admitted girls prior to that time. The evolution of education was similar in Delaware and Virginia.

The 20 th century brought many changes to the Delmarva Peninsula educational menu. The “normal” schools, designed only to train teachers, upgraded instruction and increased areas of learning. The community colleges appeared, some developing from the older “academies.” The University of Delaware, which began as a private academy in 1743, became a major university. The University of Virginia established facilities at Wallops Island, which developed into Eastern Shore Community College. The one-room schools vanished, replaced by primary and secondary schools in all areas, and the segregation of African-Americans was abolished.

The need for education in many fields not requiring a college degree was met by the community colleges. Instruction was offered in such fields as business administration, secretarial skills, nursing, health care, trades, forestry, and safety. These schools awarded certificates attesting to the students' competence and later, degrees. A small school established in Princess Anne for the education of African-Americans experienced such growth that it was enlarged and absorbed into the University of Maryland System . Today UMES offers major programs leading to B.A. and B.S. degrees in 26 disciplines and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a few others. Another school, Sojourner-Douglass College , which began as a private African-American institution, was developed for the benefit of working adults, offering classes that began in the evening.

Another example of progress can be seen in Salisbury University , which began as a “normal” school in 1925. Its two-year courses were increased to three years in 1931 and to four years in 1936. It was authorized to confer the B.S. degree in 1960 and now offers Masters degrees in six areas.

Growth and development continues in education. The “Thirst for Knowledge” persists!

By Dr. Thomas Hill, retired Salisbury internist and member, DEF Board of Directors

June 25, 2003

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