Irene Robb, President of The Lewes Historical Society, presents George Elliott, immediate past president of the Society, with a Doris Ingram watercolor of Mr. Elliott's home on Gills Neck Road. Mr. Elliott was honored at the Society's February meeting for his dedication and accomplishments as president of The Lewes Historical Society from 1996-2002.

George Elliott recently turned over the presidency of the Lewes Historical Society to Irene Robb after seven years in the top spot. His term in that office was marked by major changes and accomplishments, and he was so honored for them at the monthly meeting of the Society on Friday, February 22, 2003, when the new president presented him with an original Doris Ingram watercolor of his home on Gill’s Neck Road.

Since 1996 when Elliott was elected president, the Society has acquired the charming Midway school house #178 donated by the Megee family and previously located on Route 1 at Midway; established an Endowment Fund to ensure the future of the Society; hired the first Executive Director and Curator for the Society, Michael DiPaolo, now in his second year in that position; turned the Overfalls Lightship over to its own organization; and leased the historic Ryves Holt House from St. Peter’s Church to serve as the Society’s Visitors’ Center.

The new president, Irene Robb, took office in October, and was congratulated by Society members at its annual Christmas Party at the Hiram Rodney Burton House. A pharmacist by training, she has a long history of civic involvement and interest in preservation and antiques in the Prince George’s County, Maryland, area. Currently she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and previously served as Vice President of the Society, as well as chair for the Ryves Holt House.

Estelle Stevenson was elected first vice president with Lewis (Lon) Callaway as second vice president. Stevenson has an extensive history of civic and craft related activities, and has recently served as President of the First Town Club of Lewes.

Callaway, a native Sussex Countian, spent thirty-eight years with the PNC Bank, formerly the Bank of Delaware, from which he retired in 1998. He now serves as a member of the Board of the Lewes Lions Club.

Other members of the Board of the Lewes Historical Society are: Betty Grunder, John Lester, Lois Marley, Mitchell Russell, William Sharkey, Barry Simmerman, Robert Stewart, Michael Tyler, and Barbara Vaughan. George and Jane Gibson serve as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. Judith Atkins Roberts is Director Emeritus.

The Society holds a meeting on the third Friday of each month at St. Peter’s Social Hall at Second and Mulberry Streets, welcoming visitors and members alike for their interesting programs. The Society also publishes a yearly Journal about the history of Lewes. The sixth edition is expected in the fall of 2003, and will feature articles about industry in Lewes.

For more information please contact the Society at info@historiclewes.org, call us at 302-645-7670 or fax us at 302-645-2375.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society