Our History

Historic Lewes can trace its roots back to a small group of concerned citizens who joined forces to establish the Lewes Historical Society in 1962. Troubled by the loss of significant local structures and the deterioration of historic buildings following a surge of development and growth, this collective has grown in the years since into the Historic Lewes of today.

Today, Historic Lewes serves as the stewards of thirteen properties throughout the community of Lewes, each sharing the dynamic and rich heritage of the First Town in the First State.

The Historic Lewes Town Campus, located at the intersection of 2nd and Shipcarpenter Streets, was gradually assembled as regionally significant buildings threatened with destruction or abandonment were moved to the property and restored as the core of our network of museums and historic sites. Situated here are a range of examples of diverse Delaware architecture: The Plank House (c 1700), The Wiltbank-Watts House/Hiram Rodney Burton House (c 1720), the Stockley-Street House (c 1740), the Burton-Ingram House (c 1785), the Ellegood House (c 1800), a historic structure now serving as the Lewistown Coffee-House (c 1790), Thompson Country Store (c 1800), the Doctor’s Office (c 1836) and the Midway School (c 1898).

Three additional buildings are located elsewhere in town: the Ryves Holt House Museum and Mercantile Exchange (c 1686) on 2nd Street, the Cannonball House Maritime Museum (c 1740-50) on Front Street, and United States Life-Saving Station Boat House (c 1884) sitting prominently on the banks of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.

The most recent addition is the Lewes History Museum, located in the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center at 101 Adams Avenue. Here you will find permanent and changing exhibitions offering insights into the complex and inclusive history of the greater Lewes regions as well as the Archives of the Lewes Historical Society, which are available to the public by appointment.

In the summer of 2024, the Lewes Historical Society entered a new chapter, rebranding as Historic Lewes. Built on the proud foundation of the Lewes Historical Society, Historic Lewes continues to represent the organization’s core values and mission. Through our new brand, visitors to Historic Lewes can Navigate, Discover, and Experience history, ensuring the sustainability of our organization for generations to come.