Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware

International Horseshoe Crab Day
2025-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
The Zwaanendael Museum celebrates the horseshoe crab with a pop-up exhibit, activity and more!

Summer Solstice Activity at the Zwaanendael Museum
2025-06-21 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal craft! Throughout 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum will offer short, 15 minute lectures paired with a fun, easy to-do craft that connects to natural, nautical and agricultural traditions.
Learn about what is in season, the kinds of wildlife and plant life to look out for, and then make a firefly craft to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Walk to the DeBraak
2025-07-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-12 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th century shipwreck!
The begins at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak conservation facility. There, attendees will see the surviving hull of the ship and learn more about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Individuals ages10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is encouraged. Walk ups are welcome if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
This is a free program!

Summer Harvest Activity at the Zwaanendael Museum
2025-08-02 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal craft! Throughout 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum will offer short, 15 minute lectures paired with a fun, easy to-do craft that connects to natural, nautical and agricultural traditions.
Learn about what is in season, the kinds of wildlife and plant life to look out for, and make a seed and bean art piece celebrating the Summer Harvest.

Walk to DeBraak
2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th century shipwreck.
The begins at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak conservation facility. There, attendees will see the surviving hull of the ship and learn more about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is encouraged. Walkups are welcome if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
This is a free program.

National Lighthouse Day
2025-08-09 11:00 - 15:00
Celebrate National Lighthouse Day! Lewes is home to many lighthouses, each having served an important role in Delaware’s history. A special pop-up exhibit and hands on activity will be available to enjoy at the Zwaanendael Museum between 11a.m. and 3p.m.

Food drive at the Zwaanendael Museum
2025-09-02 - 2025-09-06
From Sept. 2-6, 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes will host a week-long food drive in honor of National Food Bank Day. National Food Bank Day, held on Sept. 5 this year, is dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity and how important food banks are to the local community.

During the week of Sept. 2-6, visitors to the Zwaanendael Museum are encouraged to bring a canned good with them. Donations may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All items will be donated to the Food Bank of Delaware.

Some of the Food Banks’ most needed items are peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, rice and pasta. Review the complete list of requested items by visiting the Food Bank of Delaware’s website at www.fbd.org.

Fall Equinox Seasonal Activity @ Zwaanendael
2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal craft! Throughout 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum will offer short, 15 minute lectures paired with a fun, easy to-do craft that connects to natural, nautical and agricultural traditions. Learn about what is in season, the kinds of wildlife and plant life to look out for and then make a pinecone craft for the Fall Equinox. All craft materials will be provided. To learn more, call the Zwaanendael Museum at (302) 645-1148.

Mysteries of History walking tours
2025-10-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-30 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-31 15:00 - 16:00
Explore the darker and more unusual history of Lewes with this spooky walking tour! Participants will wind through downtown Lewes while Zwaanendael interpreters share stories of shipwrecks, mysterious disappearances and much more. The tour begins at the Zwaanendael Museum and ends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The tour lasts approximately 80 minutes and is a half mile long. There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required.
These tours fill up quickly and space is limited so reserve your spot! Call the Zwaanendael Museum at 302-645-1148 or email at Zmuseum@delaware.gov to sign up.

Halloween seasonal activity
2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal craft! Throughout 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum will offer short, 15-minute lectures paired with a fun, easy-to-do craft that connects to natural, nautical and agricultural traditions.

Learn about what is in season, the kinds of wildlife and plant life to look out for, and then make a merman-inspired nature craft for Halloween.

Program begins at 2 p.m. All craft materials will be provided. To learn more, call the Zwaanendael Museum at 302-645-1148.

Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum
2025-12-04 16:30 - 20:00
See the Zwaanendael Museum decorated for the holidays by the Sussex Gardeners and enjoy extended museum hours. Activities may include historical interpreters, demonstrations, crafts, and seasonal refreshments. Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum will run from 4:30 p.m until 8 p.m on Thursday, December 4th. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
For any questions or concerns please contact us at 302-645-1148, or email us at zmuseum@delaware.gov or History.Delaware.gov

Winter Solstice Seasonal Activity
2025-12-20 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal craft! Throughout 2025, the Zwaanendael Museum will offer short, 15 minute lectures paired with a fun, easy to-do craft that connects to natural, nautical and agricultural traditions.
Learn about what is in season, the kinds of wildlife and plant life to look out for, and then make Calennig Apple, a traditional Welsh gift!
Program begins at 2p.m. All craft materials will be provided. To learn more, call the Zwaanendael Museum at (302) 645-1148.

Make a Sailor Valentine
2026-02-14 11:00 - 15:00
Purchased by sailors on their travels to give to their sweethearts back home, sailor valentines were popular souvenirs. Learn about these intricate works of art and make one yourself!
This craft is available at the Zwaanendael Museum from11a.m. to 3p.m. while supplies last. No cost. Perfect for all ages. The Zwaanendael Museum is located at 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes DE. Call 302-645-1148 or email zmuseum@delaware.gov for more information about this event.

Zwaanendael Museum/Fort Miles Program
2026-02-27 - 2026-02-28
More information to come.

Make a Delft Tile
2026-04-04 11:00 - 15:00
Learn about Delft tiles and make one yourself! No ceramic experience is required, these Delft tiles are made with pre-fabricated white tiles that can be decorated however you like.
This craft is available at the Zwaanendael Museum from 11a.m. to 3p.m. while supplies last. No cost. Perfect for older children or adults. The Zwaanendael Museum is located at 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes DE. Call 302-645-1148 or email zmuseum@delaware.gov for more information about this event.

Loyalist on the Lawn
2026-05-09 10:30 - 15:30
Meet our costumed historian portraying an officer of the Loyal American Regiment. Learn about the uniforms, equipment and life of a Loyalist from Lewes during the Revolutionary War. A special “Hydrating the Revolution Program”, led by Lead Historical Interpreter Annie F. from the John Dickinson Plantation will also take place.
Rotating activities and additional programs will be available. Good for all ages. No cost to participate.
Questions? Call (302) 645-1148 or email zmuseum@delaware.gov

Walk to DeBraak
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th century shipwreck.
The tour will start at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak facility. There, attendees will see the hull of the ship and learn about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a spot. Walkups are welcome only if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
Tours for groups of more than 10 people may be arranged in advance by contacting the museum.
This is a free program.
