4pm, Rehoboth Beach Museum, 511 Rehoboth Avenue.

The Rehoboth Beach Museum will be reopening its lecture hall and is looking forward to seeing people attend our programming in person. Our first in-person program this year will be a panel discussion with restaurateurs who helped to start the movement to fine dining in Rehoboth Beach. These former restaurant owners changed cuisine options in Rehoboth from fried fish, hamburger, hotdogs and pizza to menus inspired by restaurants in New York and Europe.

Robert Thompson of the Rehoboth Beach Museum will moderate a discussion with some former restaurant owners including Sydney Artz who owned Sydney’s Side Street, known for its food as well as live musical entertainment. Other participants include Libby York who, with partners, opened the Back Porch Café in the old Hotel Marvel, and Keith Fitzgerald who became a partner at the Back Porch after Libby left to pursue her jazz career in New York. Terry Plowman, who owned and operated The Front Page Restaurant & Bar on Baltimore Avenue, will also participate. The Front Page was known for a casual, friendly atmosphere, an eclectic menu, and frequent live music.

The public is invited to attend and learn the history of this restaurant renaissance. Space will be limited to 35 people so that we may observe safe social distancing, so call early to reserve a seat. Please call (302) 227-7310 to insure your space. The program is free for members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members.

The Museum is handicap accessible. Further information on this, and other programs of interest, are on the museum website at www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.