Guide
History’s Within Reach of the Beach – Make Lewes History Yours
History buffs will delight in discovering the history of Delaware’s “First Town in the First State” – Lewes, in Sussex County. With our small-town museums and historic sites, find out about Lewes’ fascinating cultural, maritime, railroad and military history from pre-Revolutionary days to the present. Museum sites include a caboose, a WWII bunker, two lighthouses, a lifesaving station, a lightship, several historic homes and replica of the City Hall of Hoorn, the Netherlands, recognizing Lewes’ Dutch heritage.
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Photo By: Brook Hedge
Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
When you visit Lewes, you’ll see why the Dutch seamen who landed here in 1631 established the first settlement. In addition to a myriad of recreational opportunities including a maritime history trail, Lewes has many museums and homes of historical and architectural interest. To learn more about Lewes’ historical and maritime destinations, visit the chamber’s Visitor Center in the historic Fisher-Martin House c.1730. Open year-round weekdays and Memorial Day to Labor Day, seven days a week or visit on-line – www.LewesChamber.com. Call in advance to receive a free visitor guide and historic destination brochures by mail – 877-465-3937.
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Fort Miles WW II Museum inside Cape Henlopen State Park
Immerse yourself in the history of the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area. Uncover compelling stories of life on the Homefront for soldiers and civilians during and after WWII. Explore the museum, located in the WWII era bunker Buttery 519, Artillery Park, and artifacts from the USS Missouri and USS Arizona. From safeguarding our coast in WWII to engaging in covert operations during the Cold War, Fort Miles left its mark on our nation’s history. Visit today and experience this site to remember!
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Photo By: Red Moulinier
Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Since 1926 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse has guided commercial, recreational and military vessels in and out of the Delaware Bay. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is located on the eastern end of the Outer Breakwater Wall of the National Harbor of Refuge. As an active aid to navigation the Coast Guard maintains the light, foghorn and solar panels. The Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation, owners of the lighthouse, continue to do yearly preservation and restoration.
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Photo By: Bill Meehan
Historic Lewes – Historic Shipcarpenter Street Campus
Founded in 1962, Historic Lewes is committed to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the diverse history and heritage of the greater Lewes region. The mission of Historic Lewes encompasses not only safeguarding historical artifacts and sites but also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area's rich past. This is achieved through engaging museum exhibits, immersive community events, experiential learning opportunities, time traveling tours to the bygone days, innovative educational programs, meticulous historical research, and original scholarship published in their very own annual journal, Lewes History.
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Photo By: G. Randall Voith (LJRBA)
Lewes Junction Railroad Caboose and Swing Bridge
The Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association (LJRBA) was formed in 2019 to preserve, display and interpret the historical significance of the railroad to Lewes and eastern Sussex County. In 2021, we saved and put on display the historically significant hand-cranked swing bridge which carried the Georgetown-Lewes rail line across the Lewes-Rehoboth canal for 100 years (current display site: end of American Legion Road). Following that, we fully restored our 1917 “little red” caboose, placing it at the historic Lewes Junction site. We conduct tours of the caboose from 10am-2pm on the first and third Sunday each month, year-round.
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Photo By: Overfalls Foundation
Overfalls Lightship (LV-118)
Commissioned in 1938, served as Coast Guard aid to navigation until 1972. Brought to Lewes in 1973 and continues to serve as non-profit floating museum. Open between May and October, this National Historic Landmark offers tours explaining the history of the US lightship era (1820-1983) and Lewes itself; off season tours available by appointment. The Overfalls Foundation hosts educational outreach programs and special events (e.g., Maritime Day, public lectures, monthly community gatherings at shipside, “Anchor Drop” on New Year’s Eve and others). Detailed information can be found at www.overfalls.org.
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Photo By: Delaware Historical & Cultural Affairs
Zwaanendael Museum
Built in 1931 to commemorate Delaware’s first European settlement, the Dutch colony Swanendael (meaning “Valley of the Swans”), this museum is a showcase for Lewes and Delaware history. Exhibits reflect the rich maritime, social, industrial, and military history of Lewes Delaware. From shipwrecks to lighthouses, agriculture to local heroes, there is something for everyone. Open all year round and free to visit, the museum also offers a variety of tours, programs and events. For current hours and more, visit history.delaware.gov/Zwaanendael-museum/ or call 302-645-1138.
Request more information: www.leweschamber.com
Each of these historic destinations in Lewes, Delaware, welcomes you with tours, special events ,opportunities to view their artifacts and memorabilia. Expert docents put their collections in context and bring to life history of Lewes and the surrounding area in Sussex County. There’s even an annual history book festival in Lewes the last weekend in September. The History Book Festival is the only book festival in the nation dedicated to history, both fiction and nonfiction. Best of all, Lewes is a year-round town with a variety of accommodations within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Life is Timeless in Lewes! www.leweschamber.com; www.visitsoutherndelaware.com
Sponsored by Lewes Chamber of Commerce.