The Lewes Historical Society invites you to tour the Cannonball House Maritime Museum, shop at the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store, and visit the Ryves Holt House this winter!

Lewes, Delaware:  Winter is a great time of year to come to historic Lewes to enjoy The Lewes Historical Society’s Cannonball House Maritime Museum, shop at the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store and explore the Ryves Holt House.  January through March presents new winter hours for all three buildings.

Struck by a British cannonball during the War of 1812, the Cannonball House is home to The Lewes Historical Society’s Maritime Museum. Located on the corner of Bank and Front Streets, the Cannonball House displays the Society’s maritime collection, ranging from the Fourth Order Fresnel Lens from Fourteen Foot Bank Light in Delaware Bay, to some of the remains of the fallen Cape Henlopen Lighthouse.  January through March, donations will be accepted in lieu of a set admission fee and the museum will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm, closed Monday-Friday.

Originally built as the Lewes branch of the Sussex Trust, Title & Safe Deposit Company, the Zwaanendael Club Museum Store is located at 302 Savannah Road at the corner of Savannah Road and Third Street. It is now the Society’s Museum Store, featuring iconic Lewes products, books, apparel, local art, food, and crafts. January through March, the store will be open Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm, Sundays 1:00pm-4:00pm, closed Monday-Wednesday.  Specialty openings include Martin Luther King’s Day- Monday, January 16- from 1:00pm-4:00pm and Presidents’ Day- Monday, February 20- from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Located on the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets, the Ryves Holt House is the oldest house still standing on it’s original foundation in the State of Delaware. It was recently added to the First State National Historical Park.  Built around 1665, it has survived fires, pirates, and has witnessed the growth and change of Lewes over the course of centuries.  January through March, this building has free admission and will be open Thursday-Saturday from 11:00am-4:00pm, Sundays 1:00pm-4:00pm, closed Monday-Wednesday.  Specialty openings include Martin Luther King’s Day- Monday, January 16- from 1:00pm-4:00pm and Presidents’ Day- Monday, February 20- from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Although the buildings at The Lewes Historical Society’s Campus and the Lewes Life-Saving Station will reopen for touring during the summer months, visitors are welcome to explore the exterior of the buildings at anytime. The public is invited to check out the newly-renovated Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street, where the park-like setting creates an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.  Also at the Campus, is a free exhibit in the Hiram Rodney Burton House called “Historic Lewes, Delaware,” open Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm.

For more information on The Lewes Historical Society and its museums, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org, or call 302-645-7670.

Image Attached: This winter, shop at The Lewes Historical Society’s Zwaanendael Club Museum Store at 302 Savannah Road in Lewes, where you will find Lewes products, books, apparel, locally-sourced art, food, and crafts.