History

Watch the video above to discover the rich history of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Our History

The National Easterseals began in 1919 with Ohio-Businessman Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, which would later become known as Easterseals. 

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore began as The Delaware Society for Crippled Children in 1948, where it provided services for children in New Castle. In the following years, Camp Fairlee on Maryland’s Eastern Shore opened its doors for children and adults to experience recreational camp. 

Through the following decades, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore expanded to provide innovative services at new locations throughout the state of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to meet the growing needs of the community. From providing innovative therapies to help children meet their milestones, to giving adults with disabilities and seniors a place in their community, Easterseals has pursued its growth in the direction of the community’s needs. 

In recent years, with the help of generous donors and tireless advocacy, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore has increased its capacity to serve, by improving upon its facilities, cultivating a stronger workforce, and bringing support to families and caregivers. From the annual Volleyball Challenge to the Caregiver Conference to Walk With Me, Easterseals has sought to engage, inform, and help build a more inclusive community for us all to thrive in.