Dr. Edward Alexander - historian, author, museum administrator, and professor emeritus of museum studies - was the founder and first director of the University of Delaware’s museum studies program. Dr. Alexander developed a course curriculum that enrolled both graduate and undergraduate students.
Born in Keokuk, Iowa, Dr. Alexander received his bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his master’s degree in history at the University of Iowa and his doctorate degree from Columbia University. He received the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction on October 20, 1984.
Dr. Alexander served as president of the American Association of Museums, the president of the American Association for State and Local history, the director of the New York State Historical Association at Ticonderoga and Cooperstown, the director of the Historical Society of Wisconsin, and vice president for interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg. In addition, Dr. Alexander was a fellow of the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences and received the Katherine Coffey Award, the Award of Distinction, and Distinguished Service Award.
His published works include James Duane: Revolutionary Conservative, Museum Masters: Their Museums and Their Influence, and The Museum in America.
Dr. Alexander’s book Museums in Motion: An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums, first published in 1979, was recently updated by his daughter, Mary Alexander, who is still actively involved with the University of Delaware museum studies program and the museum community.
The Edward Alexander Endowment, started in 2004, was created after Dr. Alexander’s death and was largely initiated by his daughter, Mary. The endowment was established for the benefit of graduate certificate candidates in Museum Studies.
Donate to the Edward Alexander Fund
Mary Alexander with students from Rosemary Krill's Fall 2006 Introduction to Museums course.
Mary Alexander with students from Rosemary Krill's Fall 2007 students at Mary's book talk on Museums in Motion: An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums
