The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Offer Trolley Tours of Historic Lewes

Lewes, Delaware- July 15, 2016- From Captain Kidd and the eternal rhythms of the tides to the salty courage of the Delaware pilots and the nationally-recognized architecture of our historic district – Lewes’s past is colorful, unique and proud. The ancient beam of old Cape Henlopen Light still haunts the local seas and local imaginations in “Delaware’s Saltiest Town.”

With Lewes¹s wealth of intriguing historical sites, fascinating museums, distinctive boutiques, array of savory restaurants and pristine beaches, The Lewes Historical Society invites you to tour the r

egion and explore our rich local history.  Discover historic destinations downtown, learn fun facts about our region¹s maritime history, and experience history as it comes alive.

The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry offer trolley tours of historic Lewes…

Tour Descriptions and Schedules-
(Schedules are subject to change. Call 302-645-7670 for confirmation.)

Historic Trolley Tour:

Take a trolley tour around historic Lewes as you learn about the history, the architecture, and the people who have helped shape this picturesque town.  The one-hour tour will acquaint you with the Lewes of yesterday and today, as you ride 5 1Ž2 miles around Lewes.  This tour is presented by The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

Through September 8, the Historic Trolley Tours will begin at 12:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  This tour lasts for 60 minutes and $10 per adult and $5 for students with I.D cards and children under 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Lewes Historical Society¹s Ryves Holt House at 218 Second Street or by calling 302-645-7670. Tours leave from the trolley stop at the corner of Second and Market Streets, beside St. Peter¹s cemetery.

Maritime Trolley Tour:

Take a 60-minute trolley tour that highlights the history of Lewes and the Cape Henlopen region from the early 17th through the 21st Century.  Travel through Cape Henlopen State Park and hear about the early explorers of the Delaware Bay, the lighthouses, breakwaters, quarantine station, Fort Miles, and the efforts to secure the area in times of war.  As the trolley leaves the park and travels into Lewes, you will hear about the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, menhaden fishing industry, Delaware River and Bay pilots, Lewes shipbuilding industry, the Lewes Life-Saving Station, the Lightship Overfalls, and other topics of maritime interest.

Through September 6, the Maritime Trolley Tour begins at 11:15am and 12:30pm on Tuesdays.  This tour is $10 per adult and $5 for students with I.D cards and children under 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance Wednesday-Monday at The Lewes Historical Society¹s Ryves Holt House at 218 Second Street or by calling 302-645-7670. Day-of tickets are only available on Tuesdays from 10:15am -11:15am at the Lewes Ferry Terminal.  Tours leave from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.

Other tours offered by The Lewes Historical Society-
(Schedules are subject to change. Call 302-645-7670 for confirmation.)

In addition to trolley tours, The Lewes Historical Society also offers walking tours this summer.  All walking tours are $10 per person. Members, students with ID cards, and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased in historic Lewes at the Ryves Holt House at 218 Second Street, the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store at 302 Savannah Road, or by calling 302-645-7670.  Tours leave from the Ryves Holt House.

Life in Lewes Tour:

Take a step back through time and explore the history of Life in Lewes. This 60-minute walking tour will guide you through select historic buildings at The Lewes Historical Society Campus where you will get to see how Lewes grew from a small Dutch settlement to a bustling seashore town.  Availability to buildings may vary based on restoration projects. Please stop by the Ryves Holt House to confirm tour availability.

Through the end of August, this tour will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning at 2:00 PM.  In September and October, this tour schedule will include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays beginning at 2:00 PM

Maritime Walking Tour:

Journey through Lewes¹s salty past while learning of the explorers who first put Lewes on the map, the pirates that sailed the local waters, and the brave United States Life-Saving Servicemen who rescued victims from perilous shipwrecks. This 60-minute walking tour includes admission to both the Lewes Life-Saving Station (availability may vary based on restoration projects) and the Cannonball House Maritime Museum.

During the month of August, this tour will take place on Saturdays beginning at 1:00 PM.  In September and October, this tour schedule will include Mondays and Saturdays beginning at 1:00 PM.

Lewes Legends Tour:

Lewes is rich with historic happenings, legends, and tall-tales, many of them involving a touch of the paranormal. From the founding of Lewes in 1631 and the massacre of its settlement the following year, to the unknown sailors¹ cemetery at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, some residents never seem to depart. This 90-minute walking tour will introduce you to stories of strange happenings in the town of Lewes and visit the Ryves Holt House, and enter one of the most haunted places in Delaware the Cannonball House. Flashlights recommended.  Due to the mature content of this tour children under the age of 8 are strongly discouraged from attending.

Through the end of October, this tour will take place on Wednesdays beginning at 6:30 PM. Tickets for this particular tour must be purchased in advance before 5pm at the Ryves Holt House, or pre-pay by calling at 302-645-7670.

For more information, including details on water tours (historic kayak and cape water taxi cruise), see historiclewes.org/tours.

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