The history of Lewes' Johnnie Walker Beach is now on display at the entrance to the area that bears his name.

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester joined original members of the city's Johnnie Walker Beach subcommittee to unveil an interpretive sign May 30.

The sign includes the only known photo of Johnnie Walker along with others portraying life on the once-segregated beach, known as Beach 2 or the "colored" beach. The city received a Lewes250 grant for restoration of the photos.

"This sign is an invitation to learn and ensures that the stories are woven into our collective memories and never forgotten," said Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco in a statement read by Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba, who serves as ex officio member on the city's African American heritage commission. Marasco is recovering from a knee injury and could not attend the ceremony.

Beach 2 was renamed after the longtime Lewes businessman in 2021. Walker died in 1992. He owned a restaurant and dance hall at the beach until the 1970s.

"This is a celebration of history, community and the enduring contributions of those whose stories shape this place," said Lewes Councilwoman Trina Brown-Hicks.

Darryl Daisey, chair of the city's African American heritage commission, recalled the importance of the beach.

"The colored beach was more than a separate section of sand. It became a vital gathering place for generations of African Americans and their families, not only to cool off, but also to reconnect, celebrate, worship and make merry memories together," Daisey said.

The commission is working on plans for a replica pavilion like the one that was located near the area of the current parking lot.

Blunt Rochester donated $1,000 to the pavilion campaign, according to Cynthia Anderson-Clay, mistress of ceremonies for the event.

"What you're saying to the world is that Black history isn't just one month of the year, but 24-7, 365 days of the year, and that our history will not be replaced or erased," Blunt Rochester said.