Community

Craving a History Lesson on Wilmington?

Photo courtesy of www.oldwilmington.net

Photo courtesy of www.oldwilmington.net

When you step into the City of Wilmington, you can tell right away that the rich history of the area is still very much alive. Many of the buildings on Market Street have been restored to their former glory and many of the city's traditions still occur on an annual basis. Whether you are a transplant or have been living downtown for years, one of the most beautiful aspects of Wilmington, Delaware is the way it treasures tradition. 

For those of us desiring to learn a little bit more about the rich history of the streets we walk on a daily basis, there are lots of resources, at our fingertips, or simply a few steps away...

1. Delaware Historical Society- Newly renovated and offering more than meets the eye, the beautiful Delaware Historical Society right on Market Street offers exhibitions, research collections, education, events such as the upcoming Farm 2 Fork and facility rentals.

2. OldWilmington.net- Although their website is still under construction, their Facebook Group and Forums are a wealth of knowledge. Here you will find a library of old photographs from families thrilled to share their lineage in Wilmington. 

Photo courtesy of www.oldwilmington.net

Photo courtesy of www.oldwilmington.net

The Ninth Street Bookshop is full of books on Wilmington's history and if they don't have what you want in stock, they will order it for you! Below is one with rave reviews. 

Books on Wilmington de

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Wilmington Business Classes for Organizations of All Sizes in September!

business classes

Education is key to continuous growth whether for individuals, small businesses or billion dollar organizations.

Downtown Visions wants to ensure your business and associates are thriving. Below are several workshops and training sessions offered in our area to assist business owners and some are even free!  

Interested in starting a business in the Downtown Wilmington vicinity? Here are some of the many resources to help get you started. 

September 6th

Walk-in Assistance for Career and Business

2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Wilmington Library

 

September 7th

Slash 10 Hours From Your Work Week to Be More Productive - A Business Fundamentals Workshop

8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

 

September 14th

Increase Your Net Revenue: Grants & Loans for Improved Energy Efficiency =

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Wilmington Library

 

15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Wilmington Library

 

September 19th

SEMINAR: Financing for Startups and Choosing Your Business Structure

9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Delaware Small Business Chamber

 

SBA Access to Capital Workshop

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Newark Senior Center

 

September 21st

CEO Think Tank: Briefing Session - Scaling Up – EXECUTION Focus Workshop

8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

 

August 29th

Partnering for Profits

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Wilmington Library

 

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Your Opinion Matters What Do YOU Think About Rodney Square? Take the Rodney Square Revitalization Plan Survey

rodney square revitalization plan.jpg

Rodney Square is one of the iconic public places in the State of Delaware. Since its completion in 1921, the Square has served as the premier public space in downtown Wilmington, enriching the public life by supporting civic and business needs.

The purpose of the Revitalization Plan is to create a new vision for the Square - a vision that integrates the aspirations and demands of a contemporary city center with the cultural heritage of a historic civic space.

The Rodney Square Conservancy working with the City of Wilmington has commissioned Wilmington landscape architects Robinson Anderson Summers with OLIN of Philadelphia, to develop a Revitalization Plan for the Square.

This survey is the first part of an ongoing effort to improve Rodney Square. The answers to this survey will inform the Conservancy and its design consultants as they define a comprehensive vision for the 21st century. As the plan is developed over the coming months, there will be other opportunities for the community to participate in this effort.

This survey should take approximately five minutes. Thank you for your time and input.

We ask for email addresses so we may inform you of upcoming meetings for the project.

 

Take the Survey

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Experience Downtown Wilmington: Take a Closer Look with this Video!

Are you considering moving to Wilmington, DE or perhaps taking a vacation here? Experience the best the area has to offer and watch this stunning video put together by our friends at the Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley Visitors Bureau. Even if you have been in the area for ages, you are sure to discover a new place to visit!

Below are some of the definite stops you will want to make during your travels that are in the Downtown Wilmington area and featured above.

Looking for some more incredible downtown businesses and attractions? Check out our full directory here. 

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Excellent Customer Service with a Side of Jazz Music: Meet "Billy" of the Nomad Bar

William Cerasari Billy Wilmington DE

When customers walk into The Nomad Bar, they usually see William Cerasari, known as “Billy,” behind the polished wooden bar. With a nod and a slight smile, he greets you as he mixes cocktails and pours microbrews.  “I am enlightened every time I come to work,’’ said the Salesianum School graduate. “People seem so much more intelligent after a few alcoholic beverages.”

At age 21 he answered an ad in the News Journal for a bartending position on the Lady Christina cruise ship. That was 32 years ago and although the ship no longer exists, Billy is still pouring.  “It seemed like a good way to make extra cash,” said Billy, 53. Today, he is a familiar face to long-time residents, who have known him from his many years in the Wilmington bar scene.

“Billy came with the bricks,” said Linda Vandever, who co-owns The Nomad Bar along with her husband, Dave Vandever. The couple spent 18 months renovating the space before opening the bar in 2011. When everything was ready, Dave knew he wanted Billy serving the drinks. “A friend said he’s the guy you want,” said Dave.

Billy said he has always enjoyed the live music that came with bartending.  The Nomad Bar, where there is never a cover, features talented jazz musicians, along with performers who play blues, reggae, and funk. The music draws a diverse group of folks of all races and ages. For upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. 

The Nomad Bar

905 N. Orange St. Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 547-1912

Owners: Dave and Linda Vandever

By Adriana Camacho-Church ACCpen1@gmail.com

Downtown Visions Contributing Writer