The Lewes Historical Society

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The Lewes Historical Society Promoting and advocating for the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of Lewes.

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!"

Our All Hallows Eve event has FREE, family-friendly activities for all ages! Guests will be able to trick-or-treat aroun...
10/28/2026

Our All Hallows Eve event has FREE, family-friendly activities for all ages!

Guests will be able to trick-or-treat around the Campus, paint pumpkins, watch a demonstration of how Apple Butter is made, enjoy the musical storytelling of Tucker's Tales at the Sussex Tavern or meet wandering troubadour Johnny Strum, have their fortunes told by Madam Zora in the Doctor's Office, learn how to make a corn husk doll, take in a Halloween-themed Magic Lantern program at the Midway School, and visit the Burton-Ingram House to see the Parlor decked out in mourning for the passing of Henry Neill or have their silhouettes cut in the Dining Room. Wear your costume and join the fun! 10 am - 4 pm at the Historic Lewes Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street.

Saturday, October 31st brings us a BRAND NEW event to the Historic Lewes roster this year.  šŸ¬šŸŽƒIn conjunction with the to...
10/26/2026

Saturday, October 31st brings us a BRAND NEW event to the Historic Lewes roster this year. šŸ¬šŸŽƒ
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!

šŸ•ÆļøšŸŽƒIt's not too late to join us this evening at Boos & Brews for a spirited evening of live music, costume contests, foo...
10/23/2026

šŸ•ÆļøšŸŽƒIt's not too late to join us this evening at Boos & Brews for a spirited evening of live music, costume contests, food & drinks at our historic campus. Bring your friends and help raise some spirits!

Fri. Oct. 23. 6-9
21+
$45/ticket, includes one drink

Purchase tickets online or at the door!

https://historic-lewes.myshopify.com/products/boos-brews-tickets

Looks like someone had one too many brews! šŸ¦“šŸ»Join us for Boos & Brews for a spooktacular time filled with haunting stori...
10/22/2026

Looks like someone had one too many brews! šŸ¦“šŸ»

Join us for Boos & Brews for a spooktacular time filled with haunting stories, hot drinks, festive decorations, live music, food trucks and more!

Fri. Oct. 23rd 6-9
21+

šŸŽŸļøTickets sold online or at the door!

https://historic-lewes.myshopify.com/products/boos-brews-tickets

UPDATE 10/22 @ 5:30Due to storm tides impacted by the growing Nor'Easter passing up the coast, we have determined - with...
10/22/2026

UPDATE 10/22 @ 5:30
Due to storm tides impacted by the growing Nor'Easter passing up the coast, we have determined - with our partners at Cape Henlopen State Park - to CANCEL tonight's Shipwrecks & Rescues tour in the interest of safety.

Those who were signed up to attend should have received an email from the tour coordinator. Please respond! Phone calls are also going out to attendees who have not yet done so.

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the tour this year, and hope to see many more when they resume in summer 2027!

Well, that’s a wrap on our 4th-annual Harvest Fair!  We’re so glad that you could join us for another awesome year of br...
10/22/2026

Well, that’s a wrap on our 4th-annual Harvest Fair! We’re so glad that you could join us for another awesome year of bringing history to life in our community, and so grateful for your continued support of our mission.

If you attended and enjoyed your time, we’d love to hear from you! We’d also love to see any pictures or videos you took during your time with us - drop it all in the comments below!

And, one final time, let’s hear it for our incredible sponsors:

The City of Lewes, Delaware Division of the Arts, Griswold Home Care, P.U.P.S. of Lewes, Dan & Barkley, Gretta Ludwig Wolter, Cat Eye Productions, the Sons of the American Revolution, and Paige Durivage - Historic Lewes Trustee.

Our annual Boos & Brews celebration is where history gets a little haunted! šŸ‘»Join Historic Lewes for a fun evening of li...
10/21/2026

Our annual Boos & Brews celebration is where history gets a little haunted! šŸ‘»
Join Historic Lewes for a fun evening of live music by Electric Velvet, tavern drinks, food trucks brought to you by La Pinkeria Taco and Uncle B’s BBQ, ghost stories and a costume contest that’s sure to raise some spirits. Gather your favorite friends and celebrate one of Lewes’ favorite Halloween traditions!
$45 per ticket and one drink ticket included per ticket. This is a 21+ event and advanced ticket purchase are encouraged since this popular event typically sells out.
https://historic-lewes.myshopify.com/products/boos-brews-tickets


There's still time to snag your ticket to our last Shipwrecks & Rescues tour of the season, taking place on Thursday nig...
10/21/2026

There's still time to snag your ticket to our last Shipwrecks & Rescues tour of the season, taking place on Thursday night, October 22nd! When you step onto the sands, you'll hear stories of our maritime past...including the wreck of the ship "Faithful Steward," told by a descendent of one its survivors!

Ticket sales are instrumental in supporting our mission and can be purchased online at historiclewes.org/tours.

See you there!

Our FINAL Shipwrecks & Rescues tour is coming up this Thursday, October 22nd!  Don't miss the opportunity to walk the be...
10/19/2026

Our FINAL Shipwrecks & Rescues tour is coming up this Thursday, October 22nd! Don't miss the opportunity to walk the beaches of Cape Henlopen at sunset and hear our storytellers weave tales of disaster and heroism along Delaware's shipwreck coast.

Spots are still available at 6:40, 7:00, and 7:20. Tickets for this program are $25 and contribute towards fulfilling our mission of keeping these stories alive.

GET YOURS HERE!
https://www.historiclewes.org/tours/

The Harvest Fair is tomorrow! šŸTickets sold at the gate $10, 10am- 4pmNot only can you shop for goods at the Harvest’s F...
10/16/2026

The Harvest Fair is tomorrow! šŸTickets sold at the gate $10, 10am- 4pm

Not only can you shop for goods at the Harvest’s Fairs 18th Century Market, you can see craftspeople in action as they keep heritage trades alive! Pause in your ambling to enjoy live blacksmithing, woodworking, and artistic displays throughout the day. Your attendance and $10 admission help keep heritage trades alive and well!

This event is sponsored by community members like you, and these amazing partners:
The City of Lewes, Delaware Division of the Arts, Griswold Home Care, P.U.P.S. of Lewes, Dan & Barkley, Gretta Ludwig Wolter, Cat Eye Productions, the Sons of the American Revolution, Griswold Home Care, and Paige Durivage - Historic Lewes Trustee.

Address

110 Shipcarpenter Street
Lewes, DE
19958

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+13026457670

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