Lewes, Delaware –  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 Lewes’s 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 region and explore our rich local history.  Discover historic destinations downtown, learn fun facts about our region’s maritime history, and experience history as it comes alive.

Experience the following walking tours April-June: Life in Lewes Tour, Maritime Tour, and Architectural Tour.  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.

From April 16 through the end of June, this tour will take place Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, beginning at 2:00pm.  Starting in July, this tour’s schedule will increase (see www.HistoricLewes.org).

Architectural Tour:
Lewes has multiple different architectural styles and building eras.  This 60-minute tour includes an introduction of the historic district and various stylistic elements, with an emphasis on the Victorian era and the homes of some of the important historic personalities and families of Lewes’s past.

From April 16 through May 12, this tour will take place Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 3:00pm.  Starting again after Labor Day, the full schedule for this tour can be found at www.HistoricLewes.org.

Maritime Walking Tour:
Journey through Lewes’s 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.

From April 25 through the end of June, this tour will take place Mondays and Saturdays, beginning at 1:00pm. Starting in July, this tour’s schedule will increase (see www.HistoricLewes.org).

Beginning in July, The Lewes Historical Society’s extended summer tour schedule will begin.  A variety of tours will be offered, including Maritime Trolley Tours, Historic Trolley Tours, Lewes Legends Walking Tours, “History Paddles” with Quest Kayak, and “History Happens Here” Cape Water Taxi & Tours Cruises.  Life in Lewes Tours and Maritime Walking Tours will also continue throughout the summer and into the fall.

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

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Image: Cutline- “The Lewes Historical Society is gearing up for tour season!  Pictured is Docent Terry Mezger giving a tour at The Lewes Historical Society’s Campus.

See www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670 for more information.”