The Lewes Historical Society

The Lewes Historical Society Promoting and advocating for the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of Lewes.
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From Captain Kidd and the eternal rhythms of the tides to the salty courage of the Delaware pilots and the nationally-recognized architecture of our historic district - Lewes' past is colorful, unique and proud. The ancient beam of old Cape Henlopen Light still haunts the local seas and local imaginations in "Delaware's Saltiest Town." The Lewes Historical Society began in 1961 as local residents

identified a need to preserve Lewes' architectural heritage and for an organization to act as a steward for Lewes' past - a history that stretches back to humble Dutch origins in 1631. The Society has been recognized as one of Delaware's greatest assets and has been honored for our efforts by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and by the American Association for State & Local History. The Society celebrates the heritage of Lewes -- "The First Town in The First State!"

‼️The Historic Lewes Town Campus is CLOSED tomorrow, May 30, 2026.‼️Due to a private event, access to the Campus will be...
05/29/2026

‼️The Historic Lewes Town Campus is CLOSED tomorrow, May 30, 2026.‼️

Due to a private event, access to the Campus will be restricted and our wonderful volunteers will not be around to greet you! This closure includes the Sussex Tavern and Lewistown Coffee-House - we apologize for any inconvenience! That said, we hope you'll visit us at the Cannonball House, Ryves Holt House Museum & Mercantile, and the Lewes Maritime Museum at 101 Adams Ave.

If you are interested in holding an event at such a historically-happening place, feel free to reach out with inquiries to [email protected].

Join us and our friends from the Zwaanendael Museum at the Lewes Maritime Museum (101 Adams Ave.) tonight at 5 p.m. for ...
05/26/2026

Join us and our friends from the Zwaanendael Museum at the Lewes Maritime Museum (101 Adams Ave.) tonight at 5 p.m. for an enlightening presentation by noted historian and archaeologist Chuck Fithian about the world of the common sailor of the 18th-century, revealed by the wreck of HM Sloop DeBraak!

This program is free to attend! Your donations, however, are always welcomed to support our ongoing mission to keep history happening in Lewes. Thank you!!!

A hearty THANK YOU to the generous sponsors of our 2nd Annual Shanty Fest! Because of your support, the campus was fille...
05/22/2026

A hearty THANK YOU to the generous sponsors of our 2nd Annual Shanty Fest! Because of your support, the campus was filled with an atmosphere of song, spirits, and camaraderie celebrating maritime music, history, and community.

So haul away and give three cheers to our sponsors!

Hoist the sails for a full day of music, history, and sailor spirit at Shanty Fest in Historic Lewes! ⚓🎶🍻Enjoy performan...
04/29/2026

Hoist the sails for a full day of music, history, and sailor spirit at Shanty Fest in Historic Lewes! ⚓🎶🍻

Enjoy performances from 10 shanty bands, with the incredible DREADNOUGHTS headlining an unforgettable lineup.

Beyond the music, explore a lively festival scene featuring food trucks, a Colonial wet-plate photographer, a tattoo artist, and more unique experiences throughout the day!

Saturday, May 9
1-7 p.m.
Rain or Shine!
Tickets can be bought online or at the door!

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!!
https://www.historiclewes.org/event/shanty-fest/


TOMORROW, April 25th, 2026, Historic proud to be hosting our colleagues at The Archaeological Society of Delaware (ASD) ...
04/24/2026

TOMORROW, April 25th, 2026, Historic proud to be hosting our colleagues at The Archaeological Society of Delaware (ASD) for their annual symposium, taking place at the Lewes Maritime Museum (101 Adams Ave.).

***The day's roster of speakers is open to the public! ***

Our state-of-the-art theater space is available for you to book for your upcoming event or conference needs! Special pricing for nonprofits is available. Reach out to Historic Lewes for details. https://www.historiclewes.org/contact/

04/22/2026

Our 2nd Annual Shanty Fest is just over two weeks away!

It promises to be a rollicking day full of stellar music, fascinating history, and unbridled fun - we hope you'll join us! And if that doesn't convince you, check out the reel!

Tickets: https://www.historiclewes.org/event/shanty-fest/

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!This upcoming Saturday, Historic Lewes is pleased to be hosting The Archaeological Society of ...
04/22/2026

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

This upcoming Saturday, Historic Lewes is pleased to be hosting The Archaeological Society of Delaware (ASD) and Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs for their annual Delmarva Archaeology & History Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event will take place in our new, state-of-the-art theater room at the Lewes Maritime Museum at 101 Adams Ave.

Check out the impressive roster of speakers below!
https://history.delaware.gov/event/2026-delmarva-archaeology-history-symposium/

Hearty in the Cause is back for one more day! Join us from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to discover life in Lewes on the eve of in...
04/19/2026

Hearty in the Cause is back for one more day!

Join us from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to discover life in Lewes on the eve of independence. See you soon!

Address

110 Shipcarpenter Street
Lewes, DE
19958

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13026457670

Website

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