Historic Lewes to host living history events April 18-19

Historic Lewes will present Hearty in the Cause: Lewes in 1776, a signature living-history weekend event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 18, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes.

Visitors will step into Lewes in the pivotal spring of 1776, when the small port town of about 500 residents found itself on the front lines of the Revolution. As British warships entered the Delaware Bay and imposed a blockade, Lewes quickly transformed into a military outpost, with troops and civilians crowding the town.

“Now that we’re entering the nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s easy to focus on the big picture,” said Ryan Schwartz, director of interpretation at Historic Lewes. “Hearty in the Cause brings the Revolution home, showing how even little towns like Lewes helped shape America in critical moments.”

Over the weekend, more than 20 interpreters portraying Lewestown residents will bring the wartime tensions to life through ongoing encounters across the campus. Guests may hear reports of Loyalist unrest, news from Cape Henlopen and accounts of British naval activity in the bay.

Visitors can watch militia drills, hear musket fire, enjoy period music, visit the tavern and coffee-house, try colonial games and explore heritage crafts.

To learn more, go to historiclewes.org/events.