The Lewes Historical Society’s History Happy Hour Series Kicks Off in June

Lewes, Delaware- May 24, 2016- Indulge in The Lewes Historical Society’s History Happy Hour series, including interesting dialog led by local history buffs, heritage area experts, and museum professionals.  These 20-30 minute featured presentations are followed by engaging question-answer periods.  During the program, wine will be available.

History Happy Hours take place on Friday afternoons from June through August beginning at 4:00pm (only the June 3 presentation begins at 7:30pm), in the downstairs meeting room of the Hotel Rodney at the corner of Second and Market Streets in Lewes.

These events are free, but due to the program’s popularity, a pass per person is required for admission.  Seating is limited. Passes are available beginning at 3:00pm (an hour in advance) on lecture days, at the Ryves Holt House, located at 218 Second Street, Lewes.

Please consider joining us for this unique educational opportunity!

These programs are sponsored by Hotel Rodney.

History Happy Hour June schedule:

On Friday, June 3, at 7:30pm, George Contant presents, “Cape Henlopen during the American Revolution.” The history books acknowledge that there was only one engagement of significance that occurred in Delaware, the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge (near Newark, Delaware) in the fall of 1777. A full year earlier in 1776 the British Man-of-War Roebuck appeared off of Cape Henlopen. It remained in the area, sometimes upriver, throughout the Revolutionary War. With new evidence and research coming to light suggesting an engagement off of Lewes’s shores, the history books could change!

Speaker George Contant has been a Delaware State Park historian-researcher since 1999.  He is also the curator for the Middletown Historical Society and was the researcher and composer for the “Middletown Goes to War” exhibit, designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ CARE Team.

On Friday, June 10, at 4:00pm, Phil Martin presents, “Milton Historical Society Stained Glass: 1857.”  The Milton Historical Society is housed in a former Methodist Church originally built in 1857.  Lydia Black Cannon, a resident of Milton, purchased the building and donated it to the MHS to house its growing collection.  The building was renovated and reopened in 2006 serving as Milton’s social center of the community.  Philip will share his research on the stained glass windows that were installed in the church and exist through present day as part of the museum.  He will relate the stories of the imagery of the windows and of the Milton residents who gave money towards the installation and preservation of the windows, and the events associated within the community at that time though today.

On Friday, June 24, at 4:00pm, Cape Henlopen High School Historic Textiles Students present, “A Day Out in Lewes 1870-1900.”  The Cape Henlopen High School Textiles and Consumer Sciences Course taught by Mrs. Alayna Aiken for the past three years, encourages students to discover the evolution of fashion and how influences such as technology, politics, economics, and society affect changes in fashion.  Students apply construction skills and tailoring techniques.  Two students, Michiah Rushin and Makayla Bowen applied their work to the recreation of authentic late 19th century and early 20th century garments that were donated to The Lewes Historical Society for the express purpose of allowing the students to work hands-on with materials of the past. They will display their work and share their experiences in recreating clothing from the past.

The Lewes Historical Society would like to thank History Happy Hour sponsor, Hotel Rodney.  For a complete listing of speakers and subjects, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org.

History Happy Hour Series Contact: Marcos Salaverria, [email protected], 302-645-7670.