Paying Tribute To The Outstanding Efforts Of Tom Welch Over The Past Two Decades To Preserve The History Of Delaware Revolutionary War Hero Allen Mclane And Other Historical Figures.
Summary
SCR 135 is a ceremonial Senate Concurrent Resolution honoring Thomas Welch for nearly two decades of work preserving and promoting the history of Delaware Revolutionary War hero Allen McLane and, more broadly, other historical figures. The resolution recounts Welch’s post-retirement career with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, his role as an historical interpreter, and his work with the First State Heritage Park, the Delaware Division of Libraries, and other partners to develop public programming, publications, exhibits, and educational materials about McLane.
The resolution highlights Welch’s efforts to research McLane, portray him in historical reenactments, help secure the display of McLane’s portrait in Legislative Hall, edit a book on McLane, organize a public symposium, maintain an online LibGuide, and publish a newsletter that reached a wide audience. It also notes that Welch gave more than 150 talks to over 6,000 people, often in period costume, and that he is preparing to retire after ensuring McLane’s story will continue to be preserved for future generations.
Impact
SCR 135 does not change Delaware statutory law or create new legal obligations. Its effect is symbolic and commemorative: it formally expresses legislative appreciation to Thomas Welch and directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to him. The resolution may also reinforce public recognition of Allen McLane and support ongoing historical and cultural preservation efforts by state institutions and local heritage organizations.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and unanimous. The bill is framed entirely as a tribute, with no evidence of opposition in the available context. The Senate third reading vote was 20-0, indicating full support among voting senators, and the House third reading record shows no recorded opposition. The discussion context provided contains no committee controversy or dissent.
Contention
There are no notable policy disputes or substantive points of contention in the bill itself, because it is a honorary resolution rather than legislation affecting rights, funding, or regulation. Any potential differences of emphasis would be limited to the historical narrative—particularly the focus on Allen McLane, Delaware heritage programming, and the role of state cultural institutions—but the available record shows no disagreement over those themes. The measure appears to have broad bipartisan or nonpartisan appeal as a recognition of public service and historical preservation.