The Lewes Historical Society celebrates over 50 years of embracing Lewes’ history by offering multiple tour options to the public. Discover historic destinations downtown, learn intriguing facts about our region’s maritime history, and experience history as it comes alive. Find out about our lighthouses, cemeteries, historic architecture, maritime monuments, and more.
All Walking tours (Except the "Finding Their Voices" tour and Haunted Histories) leave from Ryves Holt House located at 218 Second Street, in Lewes, Delaware, 19958 on the corner of Second & Mulberry Streets.
The "Finding Their Voices" and Haunted Histories tours start at the 110 Shipcarpenter Street Historic Campus.
Please note: Tours often sell out quickly. Pre-registration is required for all tours and closes 30 minutes before the start time.
Historic Highlights Driving Tour
Join a knowledgeable local guide aboard the Lewes Lines Bus for a 60-minute trip through the historic district of Lewes. Learn close to 400 years of history including; maritime adventures, local legends & lore, a developing cultural community, and an introduction to architecture.
The price of this tour includes admission to the Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Avenue. This offer is valid 48 hours after your ride date.
"A Great Way to 'Sea' the First Town in the First State" Tour starts at Historic Campus, 110 Shipcarpenter Street, and ends at Ryves Holt House, 218 Second Street
August 4, 2023
September 1, 2023
October 6, 2023
Tours at 11 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM on all three dates.
$12.00 per person
$5.00 12 and under
$21- adults (13 and over)
$12 children (ages 5- 12)
Book Historic Highlights Driving Tour
Walking Tours:
Online tickets are available for purchase now by clicking the button below.
All Walking Tour tickets Include FREE Admission to the Lewes Historical Society's Historic Campus Buildings and Grounds.
Historic Architecture: A View into the Past
The town of Lewes boasts multiple architectural styles throughout several eras within a three-block radius. This 60-minute tour includes an introduction to the historic district and its various stylistic elements, emphasizing the homes of important historic families and notable people from Lewes throughout the past three centuries. (Begins at Ryves Holt House located at 218 Second Street)
Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
April 16 through October 24, 2023
Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
June 1 through September 28, 2023
$12.00 per adult
$5.00 12 and under
Lewes Legends
Historic Lewes is rich with legends and spooky tales. This 90-minute walking tour will enthrall you with stories of strange happenings in “The First Town, in the First State”. After hours we will enter the Cannonball House, which was bombarded by the British during the War of 1812, notably one of the most haunted places in Delaware. (Due to the eerie content of the tour, children eight and under are strongly discouraged from attending. Flashlights are recommended in October.) (Begins at Ryves Holt House located at 218 Second Street)
April 16 through September 27, 2023
Sundays & Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
October 4-29, 2023
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
$15 per adult
$5 under 12
"Finding Their Voices": African American History & Legacy of Lewes
Book Finding Their Voices Tour
Departing from the Society's Historic main campus located at 110 ShipcarpenterStreet, this 90-minute educational tour explores local landmarks that highlight the importance of this chapter in Lewes' history. Storytelling enhances the experience, as our knowledgeable guides share compelling accounts handed down over the centuries.
February 25, 2023
Saturday @ 2:00 PM
April 8 - May 27, 2023
Saturday @ 2:00 PM
June 3 through September 30, 2023
Saturday @ 2:00 PM
Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM
$12.00 per person
$5.00 12 and under
Introduction to Lewes: A Maritime Destination
Journey through Lewes’ salty past while learning about the explorers who first put the town on the map, the pirates who sailed the local waters, and hear about the brave United States Life-Saving Servicemen who rescued victims from perilous shipwrecks. (Begins at Ryves Holt House located at 218 Second Street)
Saturdays - 10:00 a.m.
April 8 through September 30. 2023
$10.00 per adult
$5.00 12 and under
Haunted Histories Paranormal Investigation - ALL CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TOURS ARE FULL
NOTE: Due to the intimate nature of the investigations, registration is limited - get your tickets now!
Haunted Histories echo through time and Lewes is full of these eerie accounts. During this two-hour investigation, Lewes Historical Society and First State Paranormal Investigations invite you to hear the true tales of long-ago residents. This educational experience with a ghostly twist is not to be missed!
Begins from the LHS Historic Main Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street.
Flashlights are recommended. Personal paranormal equipment is welcome but not needed, equipment will be provided to share.
The dates below are from 8-10:30 PM
Friday, March 10 - FULL
Saturday, March 11 - FULL
Saturday,April 22 - FULL
Saturday, May 20 - FULL
Saturday, June 10 - FULL
Saturday,July 8 - FULL
Saturday, August 12 - FULL
Saturday, October 7- FULL
The date below runs through the witching hour, join us if you dare!! - 10:00-12:30 PM
Saturday, November 4 - FULL
Must be 13 or older to participate.
$20 per adult
30 people max per investigation
History in Bloom
See You Next Spring!
Each 60-minute tour will be led by a historic guide from the Lewes Historical Society and will provide information on Lewes’ rich maritime history from its founding by the Dutch in 1631 to our present-day Lewes community, demonstrating that “the First Town in the First State” has much to offer. A knowledgeable garden guide from Lewes in Bloom will also be on your tour to inform visitors of the tulip varieties and gardening care of other flora lining Lewes’s streets. Tour departs from the Cannonball House Rear Garden behind 118 Front Street.
The tours are limited to 15 individuals per tour. Reservations are required.
April 1 & 2, 2023
Saturday and Sunday
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
2:30 PM
$10.00 per person
$5.00 12 and under
Field Trips & Group Tours
Field trips can be arranged year-round to show the highlights of Lewes in a meaningful context.
Groups of 8 or more guests are considered large group tours and we ask that you contact us for tour options so that we can best meet your group's needs.
For additional information, please call 302-645-7670.