Lewes, Delaware- February 17, 2016- The next Lewes Lunch & Learn is on Friday, February 26, at noon at Hotel Rodney: A Community Discussion Forum on “The Preservation of African American History in Sussex County.”

With over 100,000 historic objects contained within The Lewes Historical Society’s collections, including written documents, oral histories, and photographs, far too few of these objects directly relate to African American history in Lewes, especially when considering the decades of African American contributions in Southern Delaware that remain unknown.

The Lewes Historical Society is seeking to open a conversation and forge a connection to interested members of the present day local African American community in an effort to discover documents, stories, memories, and artifacts for the purpose of preserving, and ultimately presenting, a complete history of Lewes.

Panelist Michael DiPaolo, executive director of The Lewes Historical Society, will share examples of items within the Society’s current collections.  Esthedla “Stell” Parker-Selby, local educator and politician, will also be a panelist and will share her knowledge of African-American history in Sussex County, Delaware.

The Lewes Historical Society hosts presentations called “Lewes Lunch & Learns,” which include various topics relating to the history of Lewes and surrounding area. This series of presentations is led by local history buffs, heritage area experts, and museum professionals. Lectures will take place on announced dates, beginning at noon in the downstairs meeting room of the Hotel Rodney at the corner of Second and Market Streets, Lewes. These events are free and open to the public.  Space is limited.  Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is suggested that attendees bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy during the lecture.

These programs are sponsored by Hotel Rodney.

For a complete listing of Lewes Lunch & Learns, and to learn more about The Lewes Historical Society, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.

Event Contact: Mike DiPaolo, [email protected], 302-645-7670