LEWES, Del., 15 July 2002 – Boarding ships in tumultuous seas. Guiding rigs through the treacherous shoals of the Delaware. Reminiscing about the romantic days of sailing schooners and masts harkening the arrival of another ship over the horizon. These are the images many people have of the brave and highly skilled men and women who call themselves Delaware Pilots.

On Friday October 4, 2002, the public will have the opportunity to learn more about our modern day Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware – their background, training and tales of the sea – as well as to delve into the rich and colorful history of the Delaware Pilots.

The program will begin with a morning session of presentations by pilot historians including Chuck Fithian, noted Delaware historian and archaeologist who will discuss William Marshall and the pilots of the War of 1812. In the afternoon, a roundtable discussion featuring an extensive question and answer period will include a wide breadth of experience from retired pilots to a modern-day apprentice. Sitting on the panel will be the first female Delaware Pilot, Colleen Moran. Michael Linton, President of the Pilots’ Association, will provide closing remarks as the pilots look forward to life on twenty-first century seas.

In between the morning and afternoon sessions program attendees will have the chance to visit the historical society’s Cannonball House, where many fine items relating to the pilots are exhibited, as well as the Zwaanendael Museum, operated by Delaware State Museums, where their permanent pilot exhibit will be complimented by artifacts in storage. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for folks not only to learn about the history of the Pilots, but to see the history, too. The Delaware State Museums, the Lewes Historical Society and the Pilots’ Association will be bringing together all of our pilot-related artifact collections for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see nearly 400 years of history in one place,” said Zwaanendael Museum Site Supervisor Adele Hudson. Seminar-goers will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Pilots’ Association Lewes Station to see the boats they use, the charts and instruments at their disposal and the effort it takes to keep the Delaware River and Bay a safe port.

The program is free and open to the public; space is limited to the first 125 persons. The program is tentatively scheduled to begin at 10 AM at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Mulberry Street, Lewes. A fully catered lunch can be reserved for $10.00. Transportation between sites will be graciously donated by DRBA. For more information, call 302-645-7670 or visit the web at www.historiclewes.org. To reserve a seat, please call 302-645-1148.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society