May 24, 2007--John Sweeney, curator emeritus of Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, died suddenly on Thursday, May 17, at the age of 77. Mr. Sweeney graduated with the first class of Winterthur Fellows in the University of Delaware Winterthur Program in Early American Culture in 1954 and was instrumental in founding the Society of Winterthur Fellows, acting as a mentor to generations of students in the program.

Mr. Sweeney joined the Winterthur staff in 1954 as assistant curator and served as senior curator from 1960-66. He then became deputy director for the collections and interpretation from 1967-1976 and later assistant to the director from 1976 until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Sweeney played a central role in the transformation of Henry Francis du Pont's personal collection of American decorative arts into a museum. Mr. du Pont mentored Mr. Sweeney as a young scholar, and they had a close working relationship.

In addition to their work at Winterthur, Mr. Du Pont and Mr. Sweeney were involved in the White House restoration effort, led by Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s, and Mr. Sweeney served on the Fine Arts Advisory Committee.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Mr. Sweeney graduated from Tower Hill School and Yale University.

Known as an outstanding scholar, an exceptional museum professional and educator and supporter of the arts and historic preservation efforts, Mr. Sweeney served on the boards of the University of Delaware Library, the Decorative Arts Trust, the Victorian Society in America, Rockwood Museum and other organizations.

He was the author of many publications, including The Treasure House of Early American Rooms and Grandeur on the Appoquinimink: The House of William Corbit at Odessa, Delaware.

Mr. Sweeney is survived by his two brothers, Dr. C. Leslie Sweeney and his wife Constance M., and Robert H. Sweeney and his wife Ann F., and by seven nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John Sweeny Fund, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735.