In the summer of 2009 members of the Duck Creek Historical Society, the Duck Creek Horticultural Society, the Smyrna Downtown Renaissance Association, and the Smyrna Opera House, as well as, other concerned Smyrna citizens began a series of meetings with state officials to discuss a partnership for the preservation of Belmont Hall. A year later these meetings led to the founding of The Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. as a nonprofit citizens’ organization that works in partnership with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware. After purchasing Belmont Hall and its grounds in 1987 the state operated Belmont Hall as a state conference center that was closed in 2008. The State of Delaware still owns the property.
Mission Statement:
The Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that seeks to:
- Preserve the house and grounds
- Promote public access
- Promote heritage tourism
- Promote ecotourism and expand the State greenway
- Plan programs and activities to attract community support and involvement
- Develop historical and horticultural interpretation for school groups and the general public
- Expand partnerships with other nonprofit entities
- Raise adequate funds to fulfill our mission and goals
