In conjunction with The Lewes Historical Society's Christmas Tour of Lewes, a book signing for the Journal of the Lewes Historical Society will be held on Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ryves Holt House, 2nd and Mulberry Streets. Authors and artists whose work appears in recent issues will be on hand to greet the public and discuss this annual local history project.

The most recent issue of the Journal published in November 2007 is the tenth in a series. Researched, edited, and illustrated by volunteers, these books have become popular with residents of the area and visitors alike, who are interested in learning more about the history of Lewes.

The new issue contains articles about some aspects of the maritime history of Lewes with an exciting story by Bob Kotowski about the burning of the SS Lenape in Lewes harbor in November 1925 and another by Steve Rogers about the sinking of the menhaden ship Long Island in September 1936 and the B.F. Macomber in 1946. Wayne Kirklin contributed an article tracing how the lightship Overfalls came to reside in Lewes. All three of these contributors will be on hand to discuss their stories.

Other authors participating in the book signing include Hazel D. Brittingham, Ruth Mankin, Betty Grunder, Barbara Vaughan, Ned Maull and Gary Grunder along with artist Justin Wickens.

An added feature of the 2007 issue is a full index to all ten volumes published from 1998 to the present. This will enable readers who have collected the whole set of books to easily locate topics of special interest. For those readers who have incomplete sets, this is an opportunity to acquire missing issues. Copies of the 64-page books are just $5 each.

Several local stores sell copies of the Journal at no profit to themselves as a service to the Society: Books by the Bay, Stepping Stone, Just for You Unique Gifts, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and the Thompson Country Store, all in Lewes. Books can also be ordered on-line at www.historiclewes.org.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society