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Museum Speaker Series

In 2022, the Lewes Historical Society continues to offer educational and entertaining programs that explore the history of Lewes, the surrounding area. All of these presentations are open to Society members, residents, and visitors of the Lewes community.

Presentations are held in the Community Room of the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center at the Lewes History Museum located at 101 Adams Avenue, Lewes. Check out the topics scheduled below. These events are FREE and do not require a reservation.

A Milliner in the Late 1890s

Date: September 9, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Corinne Litzenberg
Corinne Litzenberg, Ed.D. portrays her great-great-grandmother, Lucy Litzenberg, on September 9th at the Lewes History Museum. Lucy Litzenberg was a successful milliner in Elkton, Maryland in the late 1800s. Wearing attire from 1886, Corinne portrays the life of a woman milliner in a man’s world. “Lucy” shares the challenges of competing with department stores as the “ready to wear” revolution begins producing hats and clothing. Feel free to don your favorite hat or bowler and enjoy a hands-on sharing of millinery artifacts and curiosities.

Ryves Holt - So Much More than a House

Date: October 14, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Debra Regan
The life and times of Ryves Holt will be explored through his own voice as found in his Traveling Book. This 1750 manuscript provides a rare glimpse into live in Lewes during the 18th century.

Gilbert McCracken, Pilot of the Bay and River Delaware

Date: November 18, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Bill Hicks

Captain Gilbert McCracken, Pilot of the Bay and River Delaware and a lifetime Lewes resident, lived a fascinating life. McCracken was a young sailor in the Revolutionary War and was on site at the sinking of the HMS DeBraak. An early salvager of that same ship seven years later, and a defender of Lewestown during the bombardment of 1813, McCracken was an acquaintance of governors.  Join Bill Hicks for this presentation that will explore McCracken's life through letters, documents, and newspaper articles from the period. Bill is the LHS Historic Campus Coordinator and often assumes the character of Captain McCracken during LHS historic interpretations.

American Naval Ships Named Delaware and Those Who Built Them and Sailed in Them

Date: December 9, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Presented By: William Manthorpe
Numerous designers, naval constructors, and shipyards contributed to the seaworthiness and warfighting capabilities embodied in American naval ships named "Delaware".  
 
Many heroes, famous officers and dedicated sailors sailed in them, making history while raising the professional standards and creating new traditions for the fleet. Their service and efforts are the story as recounted by retired Navy Captain and senior naval intelligence officer, Bill Manthorpe. 

PAST 2022 EVENT - The Account Ledger of William Coleman, Silversmith, from 1799 to 1808

Date: March 11, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Greg Burton
The Coleman account book reveals the various trades and talents that were necessary to earn a living and build an estate during the early years of our new country. The lecture will include examples of the types of watches he worked on as a watchmaker, as well as coin silver similar to what he would have made in his most prestigious trade. A video presentation will highlight historic areas of his home which still stands proudly on Kings Avenue

PAST 2022 EVENT - Sussex County and the American Civil War

Date: April 8, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Alan Jensen
This presentation will focus on the divided state of Delaware during the Civil War. The divide mirrored the Nation with the industrial North taking the side of the Union and the more agrarian South siding with the Confederate States

PAST 2022 EVENT - “Traitors Among Us”: Nehemiah Field and the American Revolution

Date: May 13, 2022
Time: 1:00
Presented By: Andrew Lyter
Nehemiah Field was a complicated and divisive individual living in Lewes during the American Revolutionary War. Field was raised in an affluent Lewes family, served as a Pilot of the Bay and River Delaware, and owned multiple properties in Lewes prior to the Revolution. Field started the war as a merchant captain and patriot, but would later flee
Lewes joining the British Naval forces on the Delaware Bay. This presentation by LHS Executive Director, Andrew J. Lyter, will analyze the career and life of Nehemiah Field, his life in Lewes, and the American Revolution.