History is ALIVE in 2025!
A DO MORE 24 DELAWARE 2025 campaign supporting The Lewes Historical Society (Historic Lewes)

HOW TO DONATE: Starting on Thursday, March 6th at 6pm and ending on Friday, March 7th at 6pm, you will have the opportunity to donate to our DO MORE 24 DELAWARE campaign! This year, we aim to raise $15,000 in support of the Lewes Historical Society (Historic Lewes).

WHAT IS YOUR "WHY"? Are you excited about the upcoming restoration of our beloved Cannonball House? Do you consider yourself a "regular" in our Sussex Tavern or Lewistown Coffee-House on our First Fridays? Are you a fan of spooky stories during the Fireside Chats or our Haunted Histories Paranormal Tour? How about the addition of assistive devices across our kiosks and exhibits? Or how about the hands-on living history experiences that are provided to local children each school year? OR are you simply someone who cares for the preservation of Lewes' history? For whatever your "why" may be...you have the ability to contribute to our "History is Alive in 2025!" campaign! 

A REMINDER:  All donations during the 24-hour period of giving must be made online through our DO MORE 24 DELAWARE page!

GRAND PRIZE! All donors who make their donation through our DO MORE 24 DELAWARE page between the designated hours (starting 6pm Thursday, March 6th and ending 6pm Friday, March 7th) will be entered into a GRAND PRIZE drawing! This prize will be a Historic Lewes gift basket valued at $250! The winner of this basket will be announced on our Facebook page on Saturday, March 8th! AND...

JOIN US IN-PERSON! To celebrate the kick-off and closing of our DO MORE 2025 campaign, there are two opportunities for you to support us in person! On Thursday, March 6th from 6-8pm we will be kicking off our campaign in the Sussex Tavern! When you donate $20 or more to our online Do More 24 DE campaign, you will get one free drink! Donate $100 or more to our online campaign, you will receive a free drink along with a mug for you to keep! In addition to libations, live music will take place in the tavern!
THEN...
Join us AGAIN the very next day on Friday, March 7th at The Sussex Tavern from 4-6pm for two POWER HOURS of giving to help us reach our fundraising goal! The same free drink ($20 or more donation) OR free drink & mug ($100 donation) as Thursday applies! Live music will be provided by the Blarney Pilgrims and First Friday fun across campus will all be taking place!

LOCATION: The Sussex Tavern is located at our 110 Shipcarpenter Street campus in downtown Lewes.

About The Lewes Historical Society: Founded in 1962, The Lewes Historical Society (Historic Lewes) promotes and advocates the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region, through museum exhibits, educational programs, historical research, and publications. To learn more, visit historiclewes.org.

The Historic Lewes Shipcarpenter Street Campus has served as a staple in the town of Lewes, giving “new life” to buildings that were threatened with destruction or abandonment. Today, Historic Lewes serves as the stewards of thirteen properties throughout the community of Lewes, each sharing the dynamic and rich heritage of the First Town in the First State. The Shipcarpenter Street campus is home to a range of preserved local architecture. Some of the buildings on campus include the Burton-Ingram House (c. 1785), the Ellegood House and Blacksmith Shop (c. 1790), the Thompson Country Store (c 1800), the Doctor's Office (c. 1836), and the Midway School (c. 1898). Additionally, The Sussex Tavern and Lewistown Coffee-House serve as community-gathering spaces on campus for monthly "First Fridays" and "Tavern Talks".

Four buildings are located downtown, the Ryves Holt House Museum and Mercantile Exchange (c. 1686), the Cannonball House Maritime Museum (formerly known as The Green‐Neill‐Rowland House) (c. 1740-50), the United States Life- Saving Station Boat House (c. 1884), and the Lewes History Museum, located in the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center.

Historic Lewes offers a variety of opportunities for locals and visitors. Programming includes walking tours, field trips for children (K-12) throughout the school year, living history events, and monthly community-gathering events. Also, Historic Lewes hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year, some of which have become highly anticipated annual events such as the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass Festival and Holiday House Tour of Lewes. 

In 2024, The Lewes Historical Society “rebranded” its name as Historic Lewes. Built on the proud foundation of the Lewes Historical Society, Historic Lewes will continue to represent the organization’s core values and mission. Our updated vision will help to ensure that Historic Lewes remains a place for locals and visitors of all ages to navigate, discover, and experience history.