Kim Burdick is a Cooperstown Graduate with an MA in American Folk Culture and Museum Studies, She also holds an MPA in Agency Management from the College of Urban Affairs. Kim is a former Chairman of the Delaware Humanities Council and and was a long-term member of their Speakers Bureau. She is the Founder & Chairman of the American Revolution Round Table of Delaware, now based at the Hale Byrnes House, as well as Preservation Delaware, statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Delaware’s architectural heritage and historic settings. Her published writings include the book Revolutionary Delaware, which highlights the strategic importance of Delaware, more specifically the Delaware River and the contributions of Delawareans to the ultimate victory of the colonies over Great Britain She is the first woman president of the of the George Washington Society of Delaware, and is also a life member of both American Friends of Lafayette and the national Washington-Rochambeau Association. Kim and her husband Ralph reside year round at the Hale-Byrnes House.

Kim's husband, Ralph, is known for his beautiful hand-crafted furniture and cabinet-making skills. After graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine he became a family practitioner. He also holds a masters degree in Audiology from Ithaca College as well as a degree in English Literature from Rice University. He enjoys tracking the weather and the tides, music, hiking, and photographing the wildlife found along the banks of the White Clay Creek.

President - John Sweeney
First Term 2020-2022
Second Term 2023-2025

John Sweeney was a newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist for more than 40 years, including 10 years as The News Journal's editorial page editor. He is the editor of "Delaware's John Dickinson: Constant Watchman of Liberty" and co-editor of "The Journalist's Craft: A Guide to Better Writing." He is a native of Philadelphia and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He lives in Brandywine Hundred, outside of Wilmington, DE.

Board Member - Paul Clark
Second Term 2023-2025

Paul Clark, former New Castle County Executive, is a lifelong New Castle County resident who grew up in Boxwood, near the General Motors plant, graduated from the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1978 with a degree in horticulture.

Treasurer - Bob Cochran
First Term 2025-2027

Bob graduated from Salesianum High School and the University of Delaware. He worked at the News Journal/Delaware Online for 42 years, serving in a variety of management roles in Circulation, Technology, and Project Management, before retiring in 2019. After retirement he served on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Project Management Institute for 5 years, serving as VP/Education for 2 years and President of the Board for 3 years. He is a member of the Jaquette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution where he serves on the Chapter Board as Registrar. He is also a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) and is currently the Camp Commander of Appomattox Camp No. 2 of SUVCW. Bob and his wife Lynne have been married for 51 years and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

Secretary - Kathy DiSimone
First Term 2025-2027

Kathy DeSimone is a graduate of Wilmington University with a degree in Education. She holds a "Highly Qualified" status in Social Studies, grades K-12. She is retired from Red Clay School District where she was an 8th grade Social Studies teacher. Kathy has volunteered at Hale-Byrnes for more than a decade and admits to an obsession with the 18th century and the Revolutionary War. "Every time we hold an event at Hale-Byrnes, I meet interesting people who love history and want to explore and preserve our historical heritage. I see old friends, meet new ones, and avidly encourage new visitors to join us!", Kathy is the mother of 3 girls and lives in Pike Creek.

Board Member - Tim English
First Term 2025-2027

Tim English joined the Hale Byrnes House Board of Directors in 2025. He serves as the Manager of School Programs at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Tim has a M.A. in History from Villanova University and a B.A. in Anthropology, Art History, and History from the University of Delaware. Outside of work, he enjoys going to concerts and sporting events and spending time outdoors. He lives in Newark, DE with his wife Kristen, son Archie, and approximately 25 fish.  

Board Member - K. Lynn King
Second Term 2023-2025

Lynn is a native of Wilmington, DE. Her interest in the 18th century and preserving historical sites began when she volunteered at Greenbank Mill. Interests include Revolutionary War reenacting, playing the mountain dulcimer, music, singing, sewing, knitting, astronomy, gardening, 18th century dancing. She is a life member of the Brandywiners, Ltd (local theatre group that performs on the Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre), a member of the Delaware Astronomical Society, Rittenhouse Astronomical Society. Volunteers at Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory, Chadds Ford Historical Society, the Thomas Massey House, the Hale-Byrnes House and Longwood Gardens. She is also presenter of Caroline Herschel, 18th century astronomer. Recently Lynn assisted in the completion of the William Herschel documentary. Lynn is looking forward to sharing her love of the 18th century and music. Quoting a friend, "Preservation is the future of our past."

Board Member - Bill Knightly
First Term 2024-2026

Bill Knightly is a native Delawarean. He is a graduate of Salesianum School in Wilmington and the University of Delaware. He served for 30-years as an infantry officer in the United States Army. After retiring from the Army, Bill worked for the United States Southern Command in Miami Florida. He and his wife Amy returned to Delaware a few years ago to be close to kids and grandchildren. Bill is an avid historian of the local area focused on the American Revolution in Delaware. He has produced podcasts, written articles and a film documentary on colonial history in Delaware. He recently authored The British Occupation of Wilmington: An Untold Story of the American Revolution. He is currently finishing a second book on historical events in Wilmington

Board Member - Mike Mika
First Term 2025-2027

A graduate of Michigan State University, Mike Mika is a prominent figure in the Delaware media landscape with experience at both the News Journal (delawareonline.com), where he served as VP/Digital Media from 2005 to 2012, and the Today Media/Delaware Business Times where he served as Executive Editor. Mike is now a Digital Project Manager who helps business owners realize their digital marketing goals.

Our Address

The Hale-Byrnes House is located at 606 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713

Contact Us

Email: halebyrneshouse@aol.com

Phone: 302-543-5723 (NOTE: Call do NOT text)

Or you can reach us by clicking on our Contact Form

When We Are Open

The house is open the 1st Wednesday of every month from April through December 12:00 to 3:00 or by appointment. You can also request a visit by clicking on our Schedule a Visit with us Us Form

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are held at the Hale-Byrnes House, 606 Old Stanton Christiana Road, Newark DE 19713 near the intersection of Routes 7 North and 4 East immediately left and downhill from White Clay Medical Center.