The Lewes Historical Society will kick-start autumn with a variety of events from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 18 to 20. Throughout the entire weekend, visitors can expect a lively, high-energy twist on the popular First Fridays experience.

Phase II of the society’s brand-new exhibit, From Revolution to Republic: The Neill Household (1792-1803), will be unveiled during a reception from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, at the Burton Ingram House on the LHS Historic Campus, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. Attendees will witness a house brought back to life and experience the diverse, intertwined, yet contradicting narratives that once existed within its walls. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served, and the tavern will be open as well. 

Also starting Friday, the historical society is partnering with Ed Otter and the Archaeological Society of Delaware for its first dig at the c.1740s Cannonball House at 118 Front St., Lewes. Throughout the weekend, teams will explore three sites in the back garden. The house, which endured a British barrage in 1813, has hosted ship captains, merchants and artisans, who likely left behind material evidence. This effort seeks to uncover new insights into the Cannonball House and Lewes history. Visitors are invited to engage with the fascinating historical inquiry as it unfolds.

During Fall Harvest Fair, 1774: The Last Year of Peace, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, guests at the Historic Lewes Town Campus on Shipcarpenter Street will be transported to 1774, joining Lewes townsfolk as they celebrate a plentiful harvest despite the looming unrest of a brewing Revolution. 

All are invited to enjoy the lively festival, have silhouettes drawn, shop for historically inspired keepsakes, and watch performances by 18th-century entertainers. Colonial refreshments will flow throughout the day, including period-authentic grog at the Sussex Tavern, and rich hot chocolate and coffee at the Coffeehouse.

Festivities will be punctuated by the thunder of colonial muskets as soldiers drill and fire, reflecting the uncertainty of the last years of peace in fall 1774.

Admission to all events is free. For more information, go to historiclewes.org or call 302-645-7076.

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