These oral histories document the history of the restoration of Pemberton Hall Manor and the formation of the Pemberton Hall Foundation beginning in 1971 through interviews with current and former members of the Pemberton Hall Foundation. These narrators speak about their memories, obstacles faced, and allies who helped secure Pemberton Manor's historical integrity. Compiled transcriptions are attached.

In 1971, Pemberton Hall was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. Pemberton Hall, built in 1741 by Isaac Handy is a 1 1/2 story brick home constructed in the style of Flemish bond has the distinction of being the first historical place to be registered in Wicomico County. By the mid-twentieth century, Pemberton Manor had fallen into disrepair and neglect. Efforts led by Polly Burnett to save and restore the historic home began in the 1960's and was supported by the Salisbury community as a whole.

The history of the Pemberton Hall Foundation has been somewhat turbulent as the the land surrounding Pemberton Hall was constantly threatened by encroaching commercial development. With the Pemberton Hall Foundation owning the Hall and the two acres surrounding the house and Wicomico County owning the surrounding 62 acres these two entities have tried to find common ground. Faced with financial woes throughout their existence, Pemberton Hall Foundation has survived through bond bills and the support of the local community.

Pat Taylor, interviewed by Erik Gaskill on February 21, 2018 in Salisbury, Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. Mrs. Taylor, Chair of the Pemberton Hall Foundation at the time of this recording (2018) has been involved with a number of historical preservation entities such as the Wicomico Historical Society and volunteer at the Nabb. Pat Taylor speaks about the process of historical interpretation, Pemberton Hall Foundation board’s relationship with the surrounding community, and the importance of sharing a unified vision.

Dr. Michael Scott, interviewed by Erik Gaskill on March 7th, 2018 in Salisbury, Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. Dr. Scott, a member of the Pemberton Hall Foundation Board acting as Treasurer (1999-) and interim dean of Henson School of Science and Technology at Salisbury University (2016-). Dr. Scott speaks about his memories of Pemberton Hall, GIS projects conducted at the Pemberton Site, and financial challenges that the Foundation has faced over the years.

Bill Wilson, interviewed by Erik Gaskill on April 4th, 2018 in Salisbury, Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. Mr. Wilson, an extremely active board member of the Pemberton Hall Foundation from 1972-2017 occupying roles as Vice-Chair and Chair respectively. Mr. Wilson is a retired teacher from Dorchester County. In this interview Mr. Wilson discusses the effects of growth and urbanization of the Salisbury area, the legacy of Dr. McFarlin, the evolution of historic restoration process, competing visions of what role Pemberton Hall should play in the community,and the historical significance of the surrounding Delmarva area.

Bill Wilson, interviewed again by Erik Gaskill on April 11th, 2018 in Salisbury, Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. This is a continuation from the interview conducted just several days earlier on April 4th. Mr. Wilson continues his discussion of the historical significance of the Handy family and Pemberton Manor in addition to suspected locations of the tannery and additional archeological finds made in Salisbury that relate to the Handy Family.

Jack Graham, interviewed by Erik Gaskill on April 25th, 2018 in Salisbury Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. As an architect, Mr. Graham was instrumental in the restoration of Pemberton Hall during the 1960’s and 70’s while also working for George, Miles, and Buhr. Mr. Graham speaks about the restoration process, historical preservation, and government and community funding that made it all possible.

Norm Conway, interviewed by Erik Gaskill on May 3rd, 2018 in Salisbury, Maryland for the Pemberton Hall Foundation oral history project of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. Mr. Conway was a member of the Salisbury City Council from 1974-87 and a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1987-2015. Mr. Conway has been extremely active in the Wicomico County community and his efforts to acquire bond bills for historic places in the area is unmatched. Mr. Conway speaks about his first memories of Pemberton Hall, his efforts to acquire bond bills for the restoration of Pemberton Hall, and the significance of community support.

Oral history interviews are arranged by date of the interviews conducted and files are given unique identifiers. Administrative files are arranged alphabetically by interviewee surnames.