Society Properties Virtual Tour
1. Cannonball House
The Cannonball House was built c. 1765 and was once the home of Gilbert McCracken and David Rowland, pilots for the Bay & River Delaware. The Cannonball House has come to symbolize not only the Society, but the town of Lewes as well; previous uses included a restaurant, a laundry store and, for a time, the mayor's office. Harkening back to the town's rich nautical heritage, the Cannonball House is the home of The Lewes Historical Society's maritime museum.
2. Ryves Holt House
Explore the Ryves Holt House -- Delaware's Oldest -- and now part of First State National Historical Park. Lewes's early history from 1631 - 1787 is revealed here including the story of Zwanendael, the first European settlement in Delaware, the Mas
3. Lewes Life-Saving Station
The Lewes Life-Saving Station located on Delaware Bay was classified as a New Jersey design of 1882. No buildings remain in situ from the Lewes USLSS facilities although the Lewes Coast Guard Station is now being used as the headquarters for the Pilots Association for the Bay & River Delaware. There is some debate as to which district the Lewes Station belonged. Some sources point to the Fifth District that spanned from Cape Henlopen to Cape Charles.
4. Shipcarpenter Street Campus
Nestled in the heart of historic Lewes, The Shipcarpenter Street Campus offers 9 historic buildings for you to explore.
5. Lewes History Museum/Children's Discovery Center
The Lewes History Museum is located in the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center at 101 Adams Avenue in Lewes, Delaware.
6. Gift Shop & Information Center
This charming 1898 building was built originally as the Lewes branch of the Sussex Trust, Title & Safe Deposit Company. It's light and airy space is now the home of the Society's Museum Store featuring iconic Lewes products, books, and apparel, as well as locally sourced art, food, and craft