Things to do
There are some
wonderful things to do while you are in Lewes. Why not add
a sight-seeing trip to to your Beachcombing Conference weekend? The
greater Lewes area abounds with many opportunities to explore.
There are many restaurants, galleries, and shops to visit in downtown
Lewes; or spend time strolling the shorelines of Cape Henelopen State
Park.
Below are some notable other places of interest for beachcombers.
Zwaanendael Museum
102 Kings Highway (Kings Highway at Savannah Road),
Lewes, DE 19958
Ph: (302) 645-1148 Admission: Free
http://history.delaware.gov/museums/zm/visitors.shtml
"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.
Rehoboth Beach Museum
Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
(302) 227-7310 Admission: $5, Seniors: $3
rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net
EXHIBITION: Captain
John
Sarah Avery:
A 17th Century Family on Delaware's Frontier. Utilizing artifacts
discovered at the site as a point of reference, this exhibit explores
the shifting economic and cultural traditions of the English and Dutch
colonists, their interaction with local American Indian
communities,
and the joys and hardships of daily life in Sussex County in the late
1600s and early 1700s. Objects include German and English pottery,
Native American artifacts including pipes and spearheads, British
tobacco pipes and works made of iron.
Funds to match the grant have been generously provided by
Harold Dukes,
Burton Dukes, and Butch Emmert. Activities planned in conjunction with
the exhibit include lectures, demonstrations and children's activities.
The exhibit will be on display through the beginning of April 2011.
Treasures
of the Sea Exhibit
Delaware Technical & Community College
Stephen J. Betze Library Building
Route 18/404 Seashore Highway
(1/4 mile west of the intersection of Route 18/404 and Route 113)
Georgetown, Delaware 19947 - 0610
Ph: 302-856-5700 Admissions: $5
http://www.treasuresofthesea.org/history.html
The Exhibit
recounts
information
about the 17th century, Spain and its New World colonies, and the
plight of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha,
and its sister ship, Santa Margarita, which were sailing from
Havana,
Cuba to Seville, Spain in September 1622 when hurricane-force
winds
and high waves off the coast of Florida dashed against a coral
reef.
Both ships went under and passengers, crew and cargo were lost.
Knowing that the Atocha was over-laden with a cargo of
gold, silver
ingots, emeralds and jewelry, the search for the vessel took on great
importance to many treasure seekers. However, signs of the ship and its
treasure eluded everyone for nearly 360 years. Through the efforts of
treasure hunter Mel Fisher and others, over 1,000 silver bars, 180,000
silver coins and a number of bronze cannons have been recovered as part
of the treasure of the Atocha. Over $4,000,000 in artifacts, including
silver ingots and coins, bronze cannons, gold coins and chains, silver
artifacts, deep green emeralds from South America, and religious
articles are featured in the permanent display housed in the college
library building.