Last year was a big one for the Lewes Historical Society (LHS) not the least of which is a name change. The organization is now called Historic Lewes to better reflect its vision “to preserve and share the diverse history and heritage of the greater Lewes region”.
At the recent Historic Lewes annual meeting, President Andrew Lyter noted that the organization welcomed a record number of visitors and students. Historic Lewes’s mission is to promote and advocate for the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region through museum exhibits, educational programs historical research and publications. The publications department twill ake a deeper dive into local history by producing a number of scholarly books each year.
It might surprise some to know that Historic Lewes staff and volunteers maintain twelve historic properties – the USLSS Boat House on the canal, the Cannonball House, the Ryves Holt House Museum and Mercantile, the Historic Museum and archives on Adams Avenue near the Lewes Library and the buildings on the Shipcarpenter Street campus. The campus is the location for the popular Sussex Tavern where 19th century music and beverages flow every First Friday of the month and master story tellers enthrall visitors with tales of the community’s rich history. The entire campus is open on First Fridays that start at 4 pm.
Like most non-profits, Historic Lewes relies heavily on various fundraising efforts and on volunteers to augment its small staff. One is former Board Chair Peter Keeble. He has been involved for eight years.
“Most Historical Societies have just one property to maintain, but preservation is a core aspect of our Mission: he said. “Thanks to various grants, donations, and fund raising though our events we have completed a full restoration of the Ryves Holt House on Second Street in Lewes,” Ryves Holt is the oldest house in Delaware still on its original foundation.
Keeble also said that Historic Lewes is working on the Canal Front Park Life Saving and has received a grant to help with a major restoration of the Cannonball House on Front Street.
“Preserving such historic buildings is a joy and a challenge, and significantly enhances downtown Lewes”, Keeble said. “In addition, we hosted over 2,500 students on our Campus last year through organized field trips from schools throughout Delaware and surrounding states, all through the Education Department of Historic Lewes”.
Popular Historic Lewes annual events include the Sea Glass Festival (June) and Holiday House Tour (December). “Our tours, exhibitions, and lectures make local history come alive and underscore the remarkable role this area has played in history,” added Keeble”.
One unique feature that helps Historic Lewes make history come alive is that staff and volunteers dress in period attire to give events an air of authenticity and not just on campus. Don’t be shocked if you see someone in a period costume as the organization is making efforts to better draw the attention of the public.
The organization has ambitious plans for 2025 including a wheelchair ramp for the tavern, Cannonball House bilingual text panels for information, and ADA rest rooms, The inaugural Cannon Ball happens on March 29 at the Lewes Yacht Club. On May 17th, Historic Lewes will help celebrate National Maritime Day with its first annual Shanty Fest and will continue to offer its British Invasion Concert, Brews and Brews and previously mentioned events.
Membership includes multiple benefits.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
