Zwaanendael Museum Tours and Activities

Department of State : Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

Zwaanendael Museum

Special Events

October 3, 2009 - "Knots and Nets"
Held in conjunction with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce's annual Boast the Coast Maritime Festival, "Knots and Nets" will feature colonial games; sea chanteys; and demonstrations of knots, nets, the spice trade, and a block-and-tackle. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

October 31, 2009 - "Sailors' Legends and Lore"
Shipboard superstitions will be frightfully brought to life in a program that will feature the Zwaanendael Merman and other mythical sea creatures. Visitors will also have an opportunity to create their own sea-creature puppet. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

November 14, 2009 - "Dutch-American Heritage Day"
Learn about the contributions that the Dutch have made to the economic, social, political, and cultural life of Delaware and the United States. Discover when and where Delaware's relationship with the Dutch began, and make an origami windmill or tulip. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

December 3, 2009 - "Jolly Holly"
Learn about the holly-wreath business in the state that was once the nation's leading holly producer, and create a wreath from the leaves and berries of Delaware's state tree. 6-9 p.m.

December 5, 2009 - "Tour Zwaanendael Museum"
Tour Zwaanendael Museum, which was modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and learn about Delaware's Dutch heritage. Demonstrations and craft activities will also be part of this event which is being held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society's Holiday House Tour. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Museum Exhibits

The museum's exhibits and presentations illustrate the rich history of Sussex County by highlighting its maritime connections and by telling the stories of the people who lived and worked along Delaware's southeastern coast. Completed in the fall of 2008, the first floor of the museum has an exciting new exhibit, "Maritime History on the Delaware." The second floor is also open with a unique exhibit, "Rediscovery through Recovery: Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck Site," which offers a look into the fascinating world of maritime archaeology.

Current First Floor Exhibit: "Maritime History on the Delaware"

"Maritime History on the Delaware" showcases over 11,000 years of Lewes culture through 5 thematic sections, supported by an array of artifacts, maps, sketches, lithographs, and photographs of period buildings. The First Inhabitants connects visitors to Delaware's early Native American history and maritime traditions still maintained by regional groups. In the section, Horseshoe Crabs: Delaware's Living Fossil, learn about this unusual water creature that swims the coast and provides a variety of resources for the environment and science. Maritime on the Delaware takes a localized look at the infrastructure created for traveling the Mid-Atlantic region and the pilots involved in safe navigation. Then, discover the shipbuilding advancements found on board Delaware's most famous shipwreck in the section 18th Century Technology and the DeBraak. The final section, Dutch Connections, describes Delaware's early European travels and settlements in Delaware and the Lewes area, as well as showcasing Dutch artifacts through the years.

A journey on the Delaware Bay and River is an experience in American history. Starting with the Delaware Capes, this vibrant waterway leads to major cities and seaports. The dichotomy of safe harbors and dangerous shoals creates a complicated history of trade and travel. Take a breath of salty air and learn about the people who sailed these waters. From horseshoe crabs to shipwrecks, experience the essence of the state of Delaware.

Tours and other interpretive programs take place throughout normal operating hours. Large groups that are interested in a tour must make reservations in advance by calling the museum at 302-645-1148.

School Tours

Please click here for listing of school tours available for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Last Updated: Wednesday, 23-Sep-2009 08:47:48 EDT