An Artful Week for Lewes Historical Society

Lewes, Delaware- October 11, 2016- The Lewes Historical Society is fortunate to have collections that span almost 400 years of historic settlement on Lower Delaware Bay — from photographs and archives, to furniture and art — that reflect life in Lewes and on our regional waters.  Over the past several days, some important pieces of art have been added to the Society’s collections.

A wonderful Howard Schroeder painting entitled, “Lewes Boatyard, 1968” was a Gift of Joan Bird in Memory of Elsie Beebe Swezey in Honor of the 100th Anniversary of Beebe Healthcare. Showing the Lewes skyline and the old quonset hut on the canal, the painting depicts a favorite view of the First Town in the First State. The painting will be exhibited at the Society’s new Lewes History Museum next year.

Additionally, Sandra Pace and Barbara Passikoff donated an incredible and unique view of the East End Light at night by Steve Rogers. Painted in 2005, the piece was originally sold at the Inn at Canal Square to help raise funds for the Lewes Canalfront Park.  The spectacular piece shows East End Light silhouetted against a dark sky with just the first hint of dawn in the background.  Harbor of Refuge Light’s beam shines along with dozens of stars in the predawn morning sky. The piece will also be exhibited at the Society’s new Lewes History Museum next year.

“Delaware Breakwater,” a Society purchase with the support of Dr. Tom Brown, is a c.1880 oil on board depiction of the West End Light, also known as the Strickland Light, the Maritime Exchange Building on the breakwater, as well as a busy scene of sail taking refuge within the Capes. “We discovered it at an auction in Maine,” said Mike DiPaolo, the Society’s Director. “Thanks to Dr. Brown’s generous support we were able to bring it back to Lewes where it belongs.”  The painting is in remarkable shape and is being professionally cleaned before it will be exhibited at the Cannonball House Lewes Maritime Museum in the Capt. George M. Elliott Gallery.

For more information about the Society’s collection, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org. On the website, visitors can explore its library, archives, and museum holdings, request reproductions, or make an appointment to use the research facilities.  The Society is always looking to add Lewes-related pieces to its collection.  The Society collects artifacts, papers, photographs, books, and other material of all vintages, whether they are hundreds of years old or just a few days. These materials help us tell all the stories Lewes offers. To discuss a potential donation, or to be listed as an acquisition patron who can occasionally be called on to help the Society purchase items at auction, please call the Society’s office at 302-645-7670.

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Images Attached:

1 (Above)- Donation of “Lewes Boatyard, 1968” by Schroeder. (L-R) Tom Brown, Don Matzkin., Mike DiPaolo, Joan Bird, Hazel Brittingham

2- Donation of “East End Light at Night” by Steve Rogers. (L-R) BJ Clark, Sandra Pace, Mike DiPaolo

3- “Delaware Breakwater” supported by Tom Brown (R) and accepted by Mike DiPaolo (L).