The mission of the Nabb Research Center is to cultivate and sustain the advancement of scholarly research through collecting, preserving, disseminating and providing access to records and artifacts which illustrate the rich historical and cultural heritage of the greater Delmarva region.

As part of its mission, the Nabb Research Center also:
introduces students, potential students and other interested persons to the vast historical, archeological and cultural heritage of Delmarva
offers students a strong foundation in a variety of specialized studies in history, folklore and related fields
serves as a foundation for life-long learning and research
provides opportunities for interaction with the local and national community of researchers, educators, business leaders, family historians and others interested in Delmarva history and culture

As an integral part of the Salisbury University Blackwell Library, the Edward H. Nabb Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture will be a recognized institution in the Delmarva region and around the country for its advanced preservation and understanding of the area?s local history and cultural heritage. The Center will become a primary resource for students, historical organizations and scholars for all of their research needs and individual learning purposes.

The Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture was founded in 1982 by history professors Sylvia Bradley and G. Ray Thompson, PhD to serve as a history laboratory wherein students could learn the historian's craft. The Center's first Director was hired in 1995 and the center was endowed in 1998 and renamed for philanthropist Edward H. Nabb, Jr. Funding comes from Salisbury University, grants, private donations and memberships to the center.