On February 24, the Historical Society of Delaware opens its new special exhibition, “Schoonover Studios: A Place in Our History,” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Schoonover Studios in the Delaware Avenue community. This exhibition will present an opportunity to see historic photographs, drawings, documents and artworks related to the studios, many of which have never been on public display before.

The focus of the exhibition is the history of these unique studios, the artists who trained and worked in them over the last 100 years and the preservation efforts to save the studios from demolition in the 1980s.

Frank E. Schoonover, who occupied part of the studios for more than 60 years, was one of the most significant and prolific students of noted Delaware artist Howard Pyle. In his lifetime he produced over 2,500 works of art, most of which were created while occupying the studios on N. Rodney Street. Many artifacts from his studio, as well as books and magazines that he illustrated, will be displayed along with historic images of the studios.

Illustrations by other studio residents – notably N.C. Wyeth, Harvey Dunn, Clifford Ashley, Stanley Arthurs and Henry Peck – will provide visitors with notable images from famous literature. Works by artists who lived in proximity to the studios will also be included reflect the community’s artistic heritage.

On Thursday, March 16, at 7 pm, Louise Schoonover Smith will discuss her personal connections to her grandfather, Frank E. Schoonover, and his painting, as well as the work that has been done by the Schoonover Fund to assemble a catalog of his work.

The Delaware History Museum is at 504 Market Street.

For information, 302-656-0637 or www.hsd.org.