9th Annual Archaeology Festival at Lewes' Zwaanendael Museum
May 24 and 25, 2008

(Dover, Delaware-May 9, 2008) 17th century life in Delaware will be the focus of attention at the Zwaanendael Museum's 9th Annual Archaeology Festival that will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and Noon-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2008. 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 or visit the museum online.

This year's festival will shine a spotlight on Avery's Rest, a Sussex County archaeological site containing the remains of a 17th century settlement owned by John Avery, a sea captain, justice of the peace, and judge. Activities will include programs on the Archaeological Society of Delaware's excavation of the site, information on how people can volunteer to help with the ongoing investigation, and a program that tells the story of Captain John Avery.

Other festival activities will include:

Historic re-enactor Art Malestein who will portray Augustine Hermann, a 17th century Chesapeake merchant (Saturday, May 24 only)

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

A display of artifacts from the State of Delaware's archaeological collections. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own artifacts for evaluation by a professional archaeologist

Hands-on archaeological excavation activities for children, 17th century games, and archaeological crafts

Programs on the technology of archaeology from lithics, to diving equipment, to Global Positioning System (GPS)

Demonstrations of sailor skills necessary for living on the water

Display and program presented by an educator from the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (Saturday, May 24 only). The Kalmar Nyckel was a 17th century ship that sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638 leaving its passengers to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley-the Colony of New Sweden in present-day Wilmington, Delaware. A replica of the ship is now berthed in that city.

Exhibit on the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck, a British commercial ship that sank off Lewes' Roosevelt Inlet in the late 18th century

The Zwaanendael Museum's 9th Annual Archaeology Festival is a component of Delaware Archaeology 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. Delaware Archaeology Month is sponsored by a committee of the Archaeological Society of Delaware, partnered with professional and avocational archaeologists living and/ or working in Delaware. This year's activities are based on the theme, "The 17th Century in Delaware." For a calendar of events and other information about Delaware Archaeology 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: Thursday, 15-May-2008 16:07:46 EDT