Although Coffee-Houses were nicknamed “penny universities” in the 18th-century because of all the business and educated discussions that might take place within their walls, you’re welcome to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere in ours!
Coffee-Houses in early America were very much the spiritual counterpart to the local tavern: a sober place of business and a space for the exchange of Enlightenment ideas. The high-minded political and social thought that are at the heart of the nation’s founding documents were discussed – sometimes heatedly – over steaming cups of coffee (from the Caribbean), tea (from China & the East Indies), and chocolate (from South America) to the point that even these beloved beverages became symbols of the argument! After all, their very existence in the American colonies was a testament to the global trade network that was the British Empire. They could also be places of great contradiction, where women were rarely found and other human beings were bought and sold, all just feet away from discussions of how “all men are created equal.”
At our recreated Lewistown Coffee-House, we want to welcome everyone to a seat at the table and to savor a restorative cup. Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and during our First Friday Community Nights, we’re serving up coffee, tea, and (hot) chocolate the way 18th-century Lewistowners would have enjoyed them, alongside summer favorites such as lemonade and Black or Green Iced Tea. Get comfortable in your chair with a good book, jot down the first lines of the next great American novel, or play a board game with a friend, and know that you’re having an 18th-century moment in our 21st-century world.
The Lewistown Coffee-House is growing! As a part of our goal to create a welcoming, engaging space, we are preparing to launch a series of monthly game nights – and we need your help!
We are looking for donations of the following board games for our games library. The games identified below are our starting list, which we think fit thematically with Historic Lewes. We are welcoming used games in complete “good” condition as well as games purchased new. There are great game stores in Dover and Middletown, and many can also be found via Facebook marketplace. Links are also included!
Rumors & Ribbons
Settlers of Catan (& expansions)
Ticket to Ride (& expansions)
Risk
Stratego
Clue
If you would like to donate a game to our endeavor, please reach out to Breanna@historiclewes.org. Thank you so much for your support!
