The Lewes Historical Society offers permanent and rotating exhibitions in various museum locations throughout the year.
Current exhibitions:
Breaking Britannia’s Grasp: Lewes, the Royal Navy and the Legacy of 1812, located at the Cannonball House on 118 Front Street. This permanent exhibition is the first of its kind and provides a dual interpretation of the bombardment of Lewes by a British Naval Fleet on April 6th and 7th, 1813. This family-appropriate exhibition delves into the lives of both the sailors aboard the British ships and the actions of Lewes citizens who bravely fought to defend their homes in Lewistown.
Admission is $5 per person (children 12 and under are free). Tickets purchased for this exhibition will also allow visitors free access, for the day, to all other Lewes Historical Society properties, including the Lewes History Museum.
Boy, Man, Hero: Jacob Jones - Lewes' Own
This Exhibit is located in the Ryves Holt House Museum, 218 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958 - Jacob Jones was born in Smyrna, Delaware but lived in the Ryves Holt House for much of his formative years. The town of Lewes had a dramatic impact on raising a future naval hero.
“With a Splendid Breeze”: Lewes Maritime Art - Ashore & Afloat
Exhibit opening May 19th, 2023 - 5 P.M. - 7 P.M.
On August 3rd, 1890, the Lewes pilot boat E.W. Tunnell “sailed by Rehoboth and hoisted her colors…with a splendid breeze.” The romantic allure of the sea did not end for Lewes sailors as they came ashore. Many took to canvas to permanently document their nostalgic memories ashore and afloat.
Located at the Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958, With a Splendid Breeze will share rarely-seen views of Lewes and the Delaware Bay through the artistic lens of both mariners and the seaside citizenry of Lewes. Featured artwork from the 18th c. through modern-day documents Lewes’ relationship with the sea and the ever-changing identity of this waterfront community.
Admission is $5 per person (children 12 and under are free). Tickets purchased for this exhibition will also allow visitors free access, for the day, to all other Lewes Historical Society properties, including the Cannonball House.
