Early photo of the Burton-Ingram House at the corner near Third Street and Shipcarpenter Street during the summer of 1962. One of the first buildings moved to what was to become the Lewes Historical Society Complex, this frame building as well as its original brick foundation was moved from Second Street and Neils Alley. This is one of many photos and images to be shown at the Friday, September 21 program when the Lewes Historical Society presents "The History of the Lewes Historical Society-45 Years and Counting." This first program of the LHS 2007-2008 season begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Kings Highway and Franklin Street in Lewes. The program is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

The inaugural program of The Lewes Historical Society's 2007-2008 season begins Friday, September 21 with a fitting historical presentation: "The History of the Historical Society-45 Years and Counting." As the Society embarks on its 45th year, much has changed from those early days when the Society's founder, Dr. James Marvil, gathered a few folks around a table to chart a path that would promote and preserve the history and heritage of Lewes. The Lewes Historical Society Executive Director Michael DiPaolo will trace the beginnings of the Society and use illustrations and documents to illustrate the genesis of the organization's beginnings and how it has grown during the past nearly half century. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Lewes Presbyterian Church on Kings Highway and Franklin Street in Lewes.

DiPaolo feels that a presentation on the history of the Society is "important to share with the people of Lewes and all our members, especially those who have been with us for many years and those who are new, all that the Society has accomplished over the years." He explained that even though "the acquisition of buildings and land has played a major role in the history of the Society, there are numerous other stories that reflect who we are as an organization."

Through many collected images and anecdotes, DiPaolo will recount stories from the past such as the Society-sponsored Mariner's Dinner Dance held annually at the Lewes Yacht Club in the 1970s. He'll also discuss the society's commitment to scholarship through many publications such as a "Pictorial History of Lewes" written by Dr. Marvil, the recently published "Swanendael in New Netherland" by William Cohen and The Journal of The Lewes Historical Society.

"Of course you can't discuss the society's history without discussing its personalities," he said. "There've been many who helped shape the society and I want to talk about some of those key individuals including Dr. Marvil, Bob Orr, Ken Douty, Bill Kerkam and Ruth Stewart as well as and many who continue to do so."

Following his presentation, light refreshments will be served. The program is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society