Immerse Yourself in a Book. And in History.

Celebrating its Tenth Anniversary, the renowned History Book Festival takes place throughout venues in Lewes, September 25^th through the 27^th.  

The History Book Festival (HSB) is a unique multi-day event, touted by its organizers as the only book festival in the United States “dedicated to history through story, showcasing new historical fiction and narrative nonfiction from multiple subjects, eras, and voices.”

Most of the festival’s presentations are free to all, while the headliner author events that open and close the festival require tickets and reservations (All attendees receive a signed copy of the author’s featured book, and are given the opportunity to meet). 

The festival format consists of presentations or readings by the author of history stories –  fiction and nonfiction or historical novels, followed by interaction and book signings. The events take place in venues throughout Lewes, such as Lewes Library, Cape Henlopen schools, the Margaret Collins Community Center and Bethel United Methodist church. A list of the books being highlighted in 2026 is on the organization’s web site. 

All books are available at BrowseAbout Books in Rehoboth Beach, a premier sponsor of History Book Festival, and at local libraries on a limited basis. 

The History Book Festival (HBF) has an additional program for students of all ages: Authors in Schools. They are meant to foster a love of reading history and discovery through stories in books. History topics vary significantly. 

HBF is made possible through its Corporate, Community and private partners. There’s little surprise that the very first history-only book festival in the United States takes place in the First State in the First Town. Organizers say that the festival has attracted visitors to Lewes from 30 states, and has hosted renowned and popular authors such as Erik Larsen, National Book Award author James McBride, Steve Inskeep of NPR and prolific historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to name just a few.  

This year’s 2026 Keynote Speakers are veteran war correspondent and author of “King of Kings,” Scott Anderson and renowned British author Ben Macintyre who will discuss his latest: a Cold War spy thriller, “Redwood.” 

The opening author event will be monitored by Lewes’s own, Paul Sparrow, a popular writer and history consultant, and former director of the FDR Museum in  Hyde Park, New York. 

Tickets for the September 26 event at Cape Henlopen High School auditorium are $41.50 for admission and a signed hardcover copy of Redwood, or $77.50 for a couple and a signed hardcover of Redwood and paperback of King of Kings. 

Prior to the official opening festival events, Lewes Library is also offering a free Zoom event on Wednesday, September 23 at 7 pm: 10th Anniversary Special Event for History Book Festival. Reservations are required to obtain the Zoom sign in instructions.

A downloadable list of Saturday’s events happening simultaneously in Lewes on Saturday, September 26 has additional schedule information, along with links to the books. The day culminates with a gathering at Lewes Library for visitors, volunteers and authors at 5:30 pm.

The HBS closing is on Sunday, September 27, 1-2:30 pm. At Cape Henlopen High School. Tickets are $36.50, which includes a signed copy of “A Pair of Aces.” It features a discussion with Chanta Wilkinson and Marie Benedict, co-authors of the historical novel, “A Pair of Aces,” a fictitious story about the unlikely duo of a female prosecutor and notorious Madame who partner to bring down real-life 1930s mob boss, Lucky Luciano.

Interested in getting behind the scenes? The History Book Festival seeks volunteers for its 10th anniversary in many capacities. It is an excellent way to meet other history enthusiasts and festival organizers. 

Delve into history all weekend long. It’s not too late to order a book or two (or three) to read before meeting their authors. Or, attend the festival to learn more about a book that piques your interest, and you may savor that book even more after meeting the creative author whose mission is to share “his” story.

by Bridget FitzPatrick, Resident Journalist