Edward Porter Alexander

Mr. Alexander died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at Manor Care Rehabilitation Center in Chevy Chase.

Mr. Alexander was born Jan. 11, 1907, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Walter Sheron Alexander and Anna Moody Carter. He graduated from Drake University, earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Iowa and a doctorate in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Alexander was director of New York State Historical Assn. from 1934 to 1941, director of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin from 1941 to 1946, director of interpretation and vice president of Colonial Williamsburg from 1946 to 1972 and founder and professor of museum studies at the University of Delaware from 1972 to 1978.

His honors include Phi Beta Kappa, Katherine Coffey Award from Northeast Museums Conference, Award of Distinction from American Association for State and Local History, Distinguished Service Award from American Association of Museums and Medal of Distinction from University of Delaware. He was a founding member of the American Association for State and Local History and president of the American Association of Museums from 1956 to 1960.

He married Alice Wagner Bolton in 1929. She died in 1999.

Survivors include a son, John T. “Jay,” Lawrence; a daughter, Mary Sheron Alexander, Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

A daughter, Anne Alexander Davidson, died in 1994.

The family suggests memorials to the Edward Porter Alexander Fund at the University of Delaware, Museum Studies Program at University of Delaware, Office of University Development, Academy Building, Newark, DE 19716.