LHS posts July, August tours; Through a Woman's Eyes Tour is July 9

The Lewes Historical Society invites the public to tour the Lewes region and explore rich local history among its array of historical sites, museums, beaches and coastal attractions.

Starting July 1 and continuing through August, offerings include Life in Lewes Tour, Maritime Trolley Tour, Historic Trolley Tour, History Paddles Kayak Tour, Family Tour, Maritime Tour, and a variety of History Highlight tours.

Unless otherwise noted, tours will depart from the Ryves Holt Museum Gift Shop on the corner of Second and Mulberry streets in historic Lewes. Tickets can be also obtained from the gift shop. Contact number for tickets or information about any tour is 302-645-7670.

The Life in Lewes Tour takes a step back through time to visit six historic buildings in the Historic Complex. It takes place at 2 p.m., Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.  The cost is $10. Society members, children under 12 and students are free.

The Maritime Trolley Tour highlights the history of Lewes and the Cape Henlopen region from the early 17th through the 20th century. Tourgoers will visit Cape Henlopen State Park and hear about the early explorers of the Delaware Bay, the lighthouses, breakwaters, quarantine station, Fort Miles, and efforts to secure the area in times of war.  As the trolley leaves the park and travels into Lewes, they will hear about the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, menhaden fishing industry, Delaware River and Bay pilots, Lewes shipbuilding industry, Lewes Life-Saving Station, Lightship Overfalls, and other topics of maritime interest. This tour takes place at 11:15 a.m., Mondays. Price is $10 per adult and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased at Ryves Holt Museum Gift Shop or Lewes Ferry Terminal a half-hour hour before the tour.  Tours leave from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.

The Historic Trolley Tour traverses historic Lewes to highlight the history, the architecture, and the people who have helped shape the picturesque town.  The one-hour tour will acquaint participants with the Lewes of yesterday and today, as they travel five and a half miles around town.  This tour is presented by The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

The Historic Trolley Tour takes place at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during July and August. Price is $10 per adult and $5 for students and children. Tours leave from the trolley stop at the corner of Second and Market streets beside St. Peter’s cemetery.

History Paddles Kayak Tour of the Lewes Harbor and Delaware Breakwater Harbor will offer tales of shipwrecks, pirates, lighthouses, and more.  The trip includes the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, Delaware Bay, and occasionally, a quick jaunt along the Atlantic shore.  Kayaking experience is not necessary. A short paddling tutorial is given prior to each trip. Tours generally last three hours, weather permitting. This tour takes place at 9 a.m., Thursdays. This tour is $65 per person and includes the kayak rental fee. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Quest Kayak at 302-74-KAYAK.

Family Tours covering everyday life and amusements in the 1800s will take place at 2 p.m., Fridays. Parents and children will learn what it would have been like to live and do chores in the Rabbit’s Ferry House or what life would have been like as a child of a surfman.  Each hourlong tour will give kids the chance to ask questions and explore what life would have been like in Lewes long ago. Price is $10 per person. Members, students and children under 12 are free.

Scheduled for 11 a.m. every Saturday, the Maritime Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of Lewes, will trace the town's past and its close ties to the sea. The $10 cost includes admission to both the Lewes Life-Saving Station and the Cannonball House Maritime Museum. Society members, children under 12 and students are free.

History Highlight Tours, offered throughout summer and early fall, take place every other Wednesday through Oct. 29

History Highlight walking tours are designed to give an in-depth look at a variety of interesting topics.  Tour themes will include architecture, historic cemeteries, homesteading, and more. The schedule includes the following: Lewes Through a Woman’s Eyes led by Lana Browne - July 9, Aug. 20, and Oct. 1.  Architectural tours of Lewes led by Pat Hall - July 23, Sept. 3, and Oct. 15. Lewes Cemetery Tours led by Russ Allen - Aug. 6, Sept. 17, and Oct. 29. All History Highlight Tours begin at 4 p.m. on tour dates.  The cost is $10. Society members, children under 12 and students are free.

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