8th Annual Archaeology Festival at Lewes' Zwaanendael Museum
May 26 and 27, 2007

(Lewes, DE - May 23, 2007) The rich maritime archaeological heritage of Lewes, Delaware will be celebrated in the Zwaanendael Museum's 8th Annual Archaeology Festival that will take place from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, and Noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2007. The Zwaanendael Museum is located at 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Reflecting the importance of the Lewes-Cape Henlopen region as a portal to one of America's busiest shipping channels-the Delaware River and Bay-the festival will focus on maritime archaeological discoveries from the area including an exhibit of stoneware and other artifacts recovered from a British cargo ship that sank in the Delaware Bay off Lewes' Roosevelt Inlet in the late 1700s. Other festival activities include:

A live presentation by Middleton's Company, the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foote, a troupe showcasing living history of 17th century England and its American Colonies

Descriptions and stories of shipboard life presented by an educator from the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. The Kalmar Nyckel was the name of the ship that carried Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638.

Archaeological drawings and demonstrations by Sharyn Murray, an artist who has created detailed depictions of artifacts recovered from the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck

An interactive block-and-tackle station where visitors will be drilled by a member of the ship's company

An outdoor tent showcasing the discipline of archaeology including a collection of authentic pre- and post-contact period artifacts that have been discovered in Delaware. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own artifacts for evaluation by a professional archaeologist.

Demonstrations of Native American stone-tool manufacturing and ice-fishing techniques

Colonial/maritime games and children's craft activities including tile and clay pot decorating and beaded-necklace making

The Zwaanendael Museum's 8th Annual Archaeology Festival is a component of Delaware Archaeology Awareness Month, a state-wide series of public programs designed to promote the study and conservation of Delaware's archaeological resources and to reflect on the vital role of archaeology in revealing the cultural legacy of the state. For a calendar of events and other information about Delaware Archaeology Awareness Month, visit the following website: http://www.delawarearchaeology.org.

Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state's first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in the Dutch town of Hoorn and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters. The museum's exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military, and social history-including the recently discovered 18th-century shipwreck off Lewes Beach.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 18-Dec-2007 12:38:20 EST