Zwaanendael Museum

10/28/2026

Our Mysteries of History Walking Tours are fully booked! Thanks to everyone who has joined us so far for this program. ⁠
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You can still join in on the seasonal fun! Join the Zwaanendael Museum from 6 to 8p.m. for Halloween trick or treating, live music and more this Saturday October 31st. ⁠
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10/26/2026

Join our friends at The Lewes Historical Society for their All Hallows Eve activities during the day. Then join the Zwaanendael Museum for trick or treating, live music and more in the evening!

Saturday, October 31st brings us a BRAND NEW event to the Historic Lewes roster this year. 🍬🎃
In conjunction with the town's incredible evening Trick or Treat, we are partnering with the Zwaanendael Museum and other guest performers to present All Hallows Eve, a day-long, family-friendly celebration of autumn days and Halloween traditions.

Even better, this event is a FREE offering to our community!

10/24/2026

Did the Sea Witch hinder the discovery of the HMS DeBraak?!

Many tried to find the HMS DeBraak after it sank in 1798, but all of them ended in failure and the ship remained lost until 1984. Early searches for the ship were often hindered by poor weather conditions, making it impossible to search for the ship. Some said there was a jinx on the ship, making it difficult to find. Others claimed that the "Sea Witch" or "Bad Weather Witch" was to blame. One salvage crew in 1935 tried to drive the bad weather away by burring an effigy of the Sea Witch on the deck of their ship.

Interestingly, The Sea Witch Festival, which takes place annually in Rehoboth Beach takes it name from a different Sea Witch. A clipper ship called the Sea Witch sailed along the coast in the mid 19th century, and serves as the inspiration for the festivals name.

10/20/2026

The British Surrender at Yorktown, October 1781.

This week marks the 245th anniversary of the British Surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. The surrender laid the groundwork for the Treaty of Paris ending the war and giving the United States its independence in 1783. One of the American units involved in the siege of Yorktown was the Corps of Sappers and Miners, part of Continental Army's Corps of Engineers. These men were the predecessors of the modern-day U.S. Army combat engineers. Their job was to build defenses like trenches and other fortifications. They were also tasked with helping to breach enemy fortified positions. The men of the Corps of Sappers and Miners provided invaluable support during the siege of Yorktown.

One of the men leading the sappers and miners at Yorktown was a Delawarean by the name of Captain David Kirkpatrick of New Castle County. Captain Kirkpatrick was wounded during the siege on October 14, 1781.

Illustrated here is an officer of the Corps of Sappers and Miners during the siege of Yorktown. He wears the uniform prescribed for the corps by General George Washington in 1780. The uniform was that of a blue regimental coat with buff facings and lined with red. His waistcoat and breeches are buff as well. The officer is looking through a surveyor's compass to properly map enemy fortifications. A map can be seen in his left hand.

Download the uncolored version to use as a coloring page to enjoy at home or stop by the Zwaanendael Museum and grab a copy!


ZM12

10/14/2026

A few spots have opened up for our Mysteries of History tour tomorrow, October 15th at 2p.m.! Secure your spot while you can. Call the museum at 302-645-1148 or email [email protected].

10/13/2026

What does a surgeon from the French Royal Navy have to do with Delaware?

October 1777 saw the Philadelphia Campaign end with the British capture of Philadelphia, the early United States capital. It also saw the major defeat of a British force in the Saratoga Campaign with a much needed American victory. That victory secured a formal alliance with the Kingdom of France, Great Britain's biggest enemy. Starting in 1778 the French began sending much needed supplies, weapons, uniforms and soldiers to help the United States in their fight for independence.

In 1780 a French force of over 6,000 troops under the command of French Lieutenant General Rochambeau arrived in America. Among those troops was a surgeon by the name of Joseph Philippe Eugene Capelle. Dr. Capelle served as a surgeon with Lauzun's Legion or the "Le Légion des Voluntaries Étrangers de Lauzun" a French mixed unit of infantry, artillery and cavalry of foreign volunteers. The unit was not part of the French Royal Army, but rather the French Royal Navy's foreign volunteer corps. They were under the command of Armand Louis de Gontaut the Duke of Lauzun. Dr. Capelle also served on the staff of Marquis de Lafayette as a surgeon.

In 1782, Dr. Capelle joined Lauzun's Legion in Wilmington, DE when it was stationed there for winter quarters. Following the end of the war, Dr. Capelle briefly returned to France before returning to Delaware where he settled in Wilmington. Upon returning to Delaware, he married and started a family. He also served as a founding member of the Delaware Medical Society. Dr. Capelle died in 1796 and is buried in Old Swedes Churchyard in Wilmington along with other soldiers from Lauzun's Legion.

Illustrated here is Dr. Joseph Philippe Eugene Capelle as surgeon with Lauzun's Legion. Due to the unit being administered by the French Royal Navy, Dr. Capelle wears the uniform of a naval surgeon. He wears a blue coat with a standing collar and scarlet facings. The coat has gilt buttons and buttonhole lace. His waistcoat and breeches are of scarlet. The breeches have gilt lace trim and he wears silk sky blue stockings. His hat is cocked hat is black and trimmed with gilt.

Download the uncolored version to use as a coloring page to enjoy at home or stop by the Zwaanendael Museum and grab a copy!


ZM45

10/07/2026

How is it already October?! Fall has arrived, and the Zwaanendael Museum is here for you to visit all year round. The Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday from 10a.m. to 4:15p.m.

Join one of our free Mysteries of History Walking Tours this month! Perfect for history lovers. Registration is required for this program, and spots are filling up fast! The following tours still have room:
🔸Saturday, October 10th, 2p.m.
🔸Saturday, October 17th, 2p.m.
🔸Saturday, October 24th, 2p.m.
🔸Thursday, October 29th, 2p.m.
🔸Saturday, October 31th, 2p.m.

Call the museum at (302) 645-1148 or email us at [email protected] to register.

10/06/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizing the impact people with disabilities have in our country's workforce. During the American Revolutionary War, early American leaders recognized the contributions soldiers disabled by the war could still offer to the nation's fight for independence. To do this the Continental Congress formed the Invalid Regiment in June 1777. The regiment was commonly referred to as the Corps of Invalids.

The corps was made up of soldiers who were disabled by wounds or were too old to fight but could still offer invaluable service to the Continental Army. These men served as guards at various Continental Army posts such as hospitals, depots, as well as patriot occupied cities. In addition to guard and garrison duties these men also served a military instructors helping to train new soldiers. Important posts the Corps of Invalids were stationed include Philadelphia and West Point. The Corps also allowed much needed soldiers to fight elsewhere. With the end of the war in 1783, the corps was disbanded.

Illustrated here are two soldiers of the Corps of Invalids wearing the unit's reported uniforms. The soldier on the left wears an all green wool regimental coat lined with white and brass buttons. He wears a white waistcoat and breeches. The soldier on the right wears a heavy red wool overcoat over his regimental coat. He has an eye patch covering his right eye, a scar from battle. Both men wear black cocked hats with white trim or tape. As guards they are each armed with a musket, a bayonet and short sword called a hanger.

Download the uncolored version to use as a coloring page to enjoy at home or stop by the Zwaanendael Museum and grab a copy!


ZM23

10/02/2026

Join the Zwaanendael Museum tomorrow for Loyalist on the Lawn- the last one of the season! Visit the Loyalist encampment next to the Zwaanendael Museum and learn about this differing view on the Revolutionary War.

This might be the last Loyalist on the Lawn program for 2026, but this won't be the last time you can see the Loyalist himself. You'll be able to visit our costumed interpreter at these upcoming events across the state:
🔹Historic Lewes's Harvest Fair, October 17th & 18th.
🔹First State Heritage Park's Delaware Heritage Festival, Nov. 1st.
🔹Fort Miles's Dressed for Defense Day, November 8th
🔹Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum, December 3rd.

10/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) cordially invites you to the John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Where: 250 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901

We are thrilled to open this new facility, which features dedicated community meeting space and exciting educational opportunities. The grand opening will mark the debut of our new exhibition, “One Land Many Voices.”

Following the ceremony, we invite you to stay and enjoy Revolutionary Trades Day, running from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to celebrating with you!