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Historic Lewes presents Hearty in the Cause

Devon Filicicchia of the Zwannendael Museum and Ryan Schwartz, right, director of interpretation at Historic Lewes, display articles used on ships such as the HMS DeBraak. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
April 12, 2025

More than 20 interpreters brought to life the local experience of the colonial seaport of Lewistown when the realities of war awakened a patriotic fervor in 1776. All around the quaint setting at the Historic Lewes Town Campus April 5-6, visitors heard town gossip, witnessed trades and experienced crafts in action. They also could enjoy spirited drinks at Sussex Tavern or coffee and hot chocolate at the Lewistown Coffee-House.

Attendees were transported back in time to the turbulent months leading up to the American War of Independence.

Historic Lewes promotes and advocates for the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region.

Learn more at historiclewes.org.

 

 

Historic Lewes intern Reilly Choma works on crafting a gourd banjo like those used in the 18th century.
Ina Apolito presents information about the schoolhouse on the Historic Lewes campus.
Ben Michel, 8, and his father Pete relax on the porch of the doctor’s office.
LHS volunteer Rachel Michel demonstrates washing shirts in a boiling pot on the fire pit.
Ben Michel, 8, takes a relaxing stroll around the Historic Lewes complex during Hearty in the Cause.
Telling stories while they quench their thirst at the Lewistown Coffee-House are (l-r) Greg Burton, Melissa Burak, Mike Daniels and Marcos Salaverria.
Taking care of the Historic Lewes community garden are Tri McCarthy, left, and Diane McGinnis.
The Forbes Road Frolic Band entertains the crowd at the Mariners Tavern.
Laurie Hammond, left, and Tom Marvel give out medical advice of the era at the doctor’s office.
Pete Michel, left, and Asher Lurie swap stories of the colonial period.
Nicole Hutchison, left, paints miniature portraits, and Nicole Worthley portrays an herbalist using remedies of the era that include elements such as urine, blood and leeches.
Sussex Tavern manager Bill Hicks stands outside the establishment.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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