The Delaware Historical Society is pleased to partner with Dr. Philip D. Zimmerman, a nationally prominent early American furniture historian, for a day of special access to and in-depth study of furniture in the George Read II House collection.

Click here to purchase your ticket. $100 – members, $125 – nonmembers, $75 – students

The little-known furniture collection in the Read House includes Philadelphia and Delaware examples dating from the mid-18th century through the 1830s. There are also accurate Colonial Revival reproductions of early pieces that test one’s knowledge. Notable pieces include the enigmatic “CB 1771”-inlaid desk and bookcase (long identified as the work of Caleb Byrnes), a George Whitelock sideboard, a Janvier tall clock case with a movement by Christopher Weaver, a variety of Windsor chairs by Wilmington maker Sampson Barnet, and fine classical furniture.

Philip, a museum consultant, and widely published authority on early American furniture, will lead examinations of these and other objects and provide an insider’s perspective on how to understand and interpret early furniture. Discussions will address identification, construction, condition, and related questions and will respond to participants’ questions and interests.