Explore a ‘History Revival’ at the Zwaanendael Museum

A brown, ribbon-like logo represents the division's "History Revival" programming launched in summer 2023.

Southern Delaware history isn’t just about boats and buttons. There’s so much more to explore in the area’s rich maritime history! That’s why the Zwaanendael Museum, in partnership with the Lewes Public Library, is hosting a “History Revival” this September, highlighting featured speakers and performers exploring historical topics new and old every Friday and Saturday throughout the month.111

All events will be held at the Lewes Public Library at 111 Adams Ave. in Lewes. Some events will also include a virtual attendance option. Please visit the Lewes Public Library’s History Revival webpage (History Revival: Coastal Chronicles | Lewes) for more information and to register for events. Events and attendance details are also included on the Division of Historical and Cultural Events events calendar.

For more information, contact the Zwaanendael Museum at 302-645-1148 or Zmuseum@delaware.gov.

  • Friday, Sept. 8: At 5 p.m., Michael Dougherty will present The Wreck of the Faithful Steward on Delaware’s False Cape, exploring the ill-fated voyage of a group of Irish migrants in 1785.
  • Friday, Sept. 8: At 6:30 p.m. the Possum Point Players of Georgetown will offer a brief introduction to some of the popular shows of the “Golden Age of Radio,” while also reaching into radio show archives to present a radio classic.
  • Saturday, Sept. 9: At 2 p.m., join northern native John Bolster, a retired technical instructor and lifelong student of maritime history, to learn more about the Lightship Overfalls.
  • Saturday, Sept. 9: At 3:30 p.m., join Claudia Leister, the former executive director of the Milford Museum, to learn more about the history of the HMS DeBraak and her experiences during the salvage of the ship in the 1980s.
  • Friday, Sept. 15: At 5 p.m., join retired Navy Captain Bill Manthorpe for “Delaware’s Naval Heritage: Introduction and Summary” exploring the heroes, ships, battles and places that have contributed to the rich naval heritage of Delaware. 
  • Friday, Sept. 15: At 6:30 p.m., join Alan Davis of Inland Bays Shellfisheries LLC to learn more about his journey into oyster farming in Delaware’s inland bays.
  • Saturday, Sept. 16: At 3:30 p.m., join Historical Interpreter Thomas Pulmano of the Zwaanendael Museum for a history of sea shanties and their use on ships. Participants will be encouraged to join in a sing-along!
  • Friday, Sept. 22: At 5 p.m., join physicist Fred Dylla to learn about the impact of the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse on the U.S. Lighthouse Service.
  • Saturday, Sept. 23: At 2 p.m., explore the history of the Fenwick Island lighthouse.

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