In this presentation, Greg Burton will explore the history and role that watches played in the early nineteenth century. Taking a hands-on approach, Burton will discuss the verge movements vs. lever, the early components of watches, and how to date and identify watches based upon their hallmarks. Burton will touch on his own family history in watchmaking and share various pieces from his collection.

This is a Virtual Program. Please join this FREE program at 7 p.m. on September 10, 2021.

JOIN PRESENTATION AT 7 PM

This lecture contains a close examination of the historic text: “Narrating the Hardships, Hairbreadth escapes, and Death Struggles of Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom”. Compiled of numerous primary source testimonials from “fugitive” slaves who escaped along the route of the Underground Rail, to Philadelphia, in-depth details are revealed of their struggles for freedom.

Presentor Marcos Salaverria will focus on three documented group accounts of escapees from Sussex County Delaware. Names of area enslaved individuals, and locales, will be identified along with the potentially shocking behaviors and attitudes of local slave owners and masters. Life for a slave was never easy no matter where their locale. This program will seek to improve attendees’ understanding of the nature of slavery in Southern Delaware in the decade before the outbreak of the American Civil War.

This is a Virtual Program. Please join the FREE program at 7 p.m. on June 11.

WATCH PRESENTATION

Jacob Jones was born in Smyrna, Delaware, but spent his formative years in Lewes, growing up in the Ryves Holt House.  After leaving Lewes, Jones went on to have an illustrious Naval career, rising through the ranks from Midshipman to Commodore.  This presentation will coincide with the opening of the exhibition, Boy, Man, Hero: Jacob Jones - Lewes' Own in the Jones’ childhood home.  This presentation and exhibition will explore Jones’s life and naval career, from his humble roots in Lewes, his naval career, and his legacy.

In the early 19th century, Patty Cannon and her gang of cutthroats terrorized southern Delaware, robbing and killing with impunity. They specialized in kidnapping free African American men, women, and children. Cannon’s career of crime ended in 1829 when a farmer unearthed the remains of some of her victims. She was arrested and charged with murder; but before she could be tried, Patty mysteriously died in her Georgetown cell. Speaker Michael Morgan will present this fascinating program.