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.