With the summer heat comes great programs at The Lewes Historical Society for children and families. LHS is pleased to present these great programs in the month of July.

Anna Rothman, the Society's 2007 Cemetery Research Intern, will help present Bones 'n' Stones July 9 and 27 at 7:30 pm. The program begins at the Midway School at the Historic Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets and then will move down to St. Peter's Churchyard.

History can be found in the oddest places— even in cemeteries! The Lewes Historical Society presents Bones & Stones, a hands-on educational program for children of all ages. Discover the clues that gravestones provide to the lives of people who have been “at rest” for hundreds of years. Learn about the changing role of death and cemeteries in our society over centuries. Whether you’re scared of ghosts or thrill at a brush with the supernatural, come join the fun! A brief introduction to the mysteries of gravestones is followed by a cemetery quest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Churchyard on Second St. Midway School is located at 110 Shipcarpenter St. (at the foot of Second street), Lewes. July 9 and 27 at 7:30 pm. Price, $5 for adults; children 18 and younger, $1; children under 12 free.

Lewes, Delaware is nationally-known for its architecture, join Society guide Bill Hiller for a tour of some of Lewes's tucked-away jewels on our Architecture Walking Tours. Tours will be held July 5, 12 and 26 and will meet at the Ryves Holt House - the Society's Visitors Center - located at Second and Mulberry Streets. Tours depart at 10:00 am the days of tours and tickets are on sale at the Ryves Holt House the day of the tour beginning at 9:00 am; tickets are $5.00. The tour lasts about one hour, fifteen minutes and covers an area of one and a quarter miles.

Around 1900, many Delawareans were taught in one-room schools that dotted the country side here in Sussex County. Society docent Eleanor Knapp, will provide a glimpse into 19th century school life with "19th Century School Lessons" at the Midway School, one of Sussex's one-room school houses now located at the Historic Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets. This fun, interactive activity is sure to bring a smile to your face and is great for kids of all ages. Join Eleanor on July 3 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, July 28 at 3:00 pm and July 29 at 2:00 pm.

Holmes Russell, standing in front of the rare stewartia pseudocamilia at the Lewes Historical Society will present "Native Trees of Delaware July 11 and 23 at 10:00 am. The program will meet at the Historic Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets.

Aside from gravestones and architecture, Lewes is also filled with beautiful trees that have their own stories to tell. Join Society member Holmes Russell for a tour of native trees at the Lewes Historic Complex (Second and Shipcarpenter Streets) on July 11 and 23 at 10:00 am. Russell will also point out historical significant and interesting trees around town that are not to be missed. This tour will last approximately forty minutes and is free. From the Bride & Groom trees to the rare stewartia pseudo-camilia at the Historic Complex, Lewes is filled with wonderful trees that have many stories silent for too long.

Or, have you ever wondered how the stuff of history -- the papers, books, photographs and objects -- go from being merely things to fitting into a story and included in a catalog that can help others appreciate history? Join Society Executive Director Mike DiPaolo for "Making History" at the Society's Library at the Hiram Rodney Burton House on July 24 at 2:00 pm. We'll review some of the sleuthing needed to understand historical items, the resources available to help and the materials used to properly store them for future generations. Great for collectors and scrapbookers! The program is free and will last 45 minutes.

The Society's museums are open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. Sunday July 15, 22 and 29, the Cannonball House, Ryves Holt House and Ellegood House Museum Shop are open 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Trolley tours of Lewes will be held Tuesdays through Thursdays at 10:30 am and 12:45 pm. For more information on any of these programs, please call (302)-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society