Sussex County Land Trust Welcomes National Preservation Leaders to Cannon-Maston House Ahead of 2025 VAF Conference

The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) was honored to host more than 100 preservation professionals and architectural historians at the Cannon-Maston House earlier this month, marking a highlight for the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s (VAF) 2025 Annual Conference.

Attendees representing a variety of states, institutions, and preservation organizations – including Emily Whaley from the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office and, reportedly, the Director of Mount Vernon – gathered for site tours and architectural discussions at the historic property in Seaford, Delaware. The Cannon-Maston House was selected as an official stop on the VAF 2025 Friday Field Bus Tours, a prestigious inclusion that places Sussex County’s heritage on a national stage.

Throughout the afternoon, groups rotated between guided interior tours and exterior examinations, sparking enthusiastic dialogue and encouraging feedback from participants.

“The visit was particularly well-received,” said Michael Emmons, event coordinator and Director of Historic Preservation & Architectural Research at Historic Deerfield in Massachusetts. “The level of engagement from attendees and the rich history of the property made this a standout stop.”

SCLT volunteer and resident historian Russ McCabe, the site’s historic architect Barton Ross, and Sussex County Historic Preservation Planner Dan Parsons fielded dozens of questions about the site’s restoration and future plans – including interest in potential additions such as historically appropriate outbuildings.

“It was a truly gratifying experience,” said McCabe. “We were overwhelmed by the interest and support.”

Despite a confirmed tornado touchdown less than 10 miles away, the skies cleared just in time for the gathering. “It turned out to be a beautiful evening,” McCabe added. “We definitely dodged a bullet.”

The Cannon-Maston House is one of several historic and cultural assets protected by the Sussex County Land Trust. Its inclusion in the VAF 2025 Conference underscores the Trust’s commitment to preserving Delaware’s rural heritage and fostering public engagement with the county’s architectural legacy.