Lewes Historical Society to reopen, celebration set Nov. 5
Recent visitors to the The Lewes Historical Society Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St. in Lewes, have probably noticed the renovations taking place. Thanks to the generosity of the community and the support of foundations and public funding, the grounds endured a major transformation over the past nine months. Work will be completed by the end of October.
To commemorate the re-opening of the campus, the public is invited to a celebration at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5. Autumn refreshments will be served, self-guided tours will be offered and brief remarks will be made in dedication of the new grounds. No reservations are required.
Many enhancements were made to the property. Brick work and oyster shells used for hardscape now flows through the campus, bringing the land together, both functionally and aesthetically. With even the most extensive rains, the campus now drains well, minimizing runoff and helping the environment. Accent lighting now makes the space safer and more inviting during evening hours. Beautiful plantings enhance the landscaping throughout the grounds.
The Lewes Historical Society’s Campus still offers nine historic buildings to explore. Highlighting Lewes’s relationship to the sea and dedication to the preservation of historic structures, these museums help to tell the story of Lewes through the centuries since its founding. The campus includes the Hiram Rodney Burton House (c. 1725, the only building on its original site), the Burton-Ingram House (c. 1785), the Rabbit’s Ferry House (c. 1740), the Thompson Country Store (c. 1800), the Ellegood House and Blacksmith Shop (c. 1790), the Doctor’s Office (c. 1850) and Midway School #178 (c. 1898).
Now that the grounds restoration is complete, the public is welcome back to enjoy the upgraded surroundings. The Lewes Historical Society’s Executive Director Mike DiPaolo says, “I hope people will continue to enjoy picnics here, bring their families for games of catch, or just enjoy the grounds while they read a book. We look forward to bringing our signature seasonal events back as well.”
The Lewes Historical Society would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the community members and businesses that supported this project, to the Longwood Foundation and State of Delaware for contributed so graciously and to partners Element Design, OE Inc. Distinctive Landscaping and Lewes in Bloom.
For more information, go to www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.
