Jean Abplanalp

The first time—at an early age—Jean Abplanalp saw a U.S. Coast Guard /U.S. Life Saving Station, her interest was piqued. Tales told by her mother, Elizabeth Mur- dock, of her experiences on board ships with seafaring members of the family, stoked her interest in these early structures along the Atlantic Coast. Many years later Jean had the opportunity to combine her research with her love of painting structures and to extend it down the Coast of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

In the last four years Jean has been studying painting with Karl Kuerner, noted Chadds Ford artist and teacher at the Darlington Art Center. Previously, she was a student in Millsboro Art League classes, and as a child was taught to draw by her father, John Murdock, a mechanical drawing/drafting teacher.

Jean’s love of local history became apparent as she was one of the originators and writers of the book Dewey Beach, History and Tales, now in its second printing. She was a contributing writer for the magazine, Delaware Beach Life, July 2005 issue with an excerpted article from the aforementioned book.

Jean was President and owner of Seaside Tours, Inc., a tour consulting and planning service which offered tours of historic sites in Delaware and Maryland.Prior to her recent involvement in art, Jean balanced family responsibilities while maintaining a long career as a Delaware teacher and counselor with degrees from the University of Delaware.