Lewes celebrates america turning 250
Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Present. Shaping the Future.
America 250 is here and Lewes is celebrating in full swing!
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence, and as the First Town in the First State, Lewes holds a powerful place in America’s story. This is our moment to honor that legacy, not just by looking back, but by coming together as a community to celebrate it.
Lewes 250 is dedicated to sharing the full legacy of the American Revolution and the generations that followed, the people, the milestones, the maritime roots, and the local stories that continue to shape our town today. Through special events, exhibits, storytelling, and community-wide festivities, we’re bringing history to life all year long.
The celebration has begun and you won’t want to miss it.
Live Music
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Fireworks
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Local Art Shows
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Historical Celebrations
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Liberty Tree Planting
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Bonfires
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Live Music ★ Fireworks ★ Local Art Shows ★ Historical Celebrations ★ Liberty Tree Planting ★ Bonfires ★
Lewes During the Revolution
A New Book Uncovering Lewes During the American RevolutionReliving the Days of the Happy Day Club
As part of the Lewes 250 celebration, discover the remarkable stories, people, and events that shaped our town during the fight for independence.
Lewes During the Revolution, 1774–1783 by noted historian William H.J. Manthorpe Jr. offers a fascinating look at life in Lewes during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Drawing from extensive research, the book explores local residents, military activity, political tensions, and the unique role Lewes played in the birth of a nation.
Filled with compelling stories and newly uncovered historical details, this limited first printing is a must-read for history enthusiasts, Lewes residents, and anyone interested in America's founding story.
Own a Piece of Lewes History
Purchase your copy today and help support the ongoing mission of Lewes 250 to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories that make Lewes the First Town in the First State
Limited First Printing Available While Supplies Last.
Upcoming events
Step into history—one event at a time.
As we celebrate 250 years of Lewes, our calendar is packed with community gatherings, heritage events, lectures, performances, and family fun. Every date marks a new chapter in the story of America’s First Town in the First State. Explore what’s coming up and join us in honoring the past while shaping the future.
Check out our entire list of upcoming events through the button below!
Greater Lewes Foundation
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Lewes African American Heritage Commission
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Lewes Public Library
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Go Fourth
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American Legion
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Historic Lewes Farmers Market
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Col. David Hall Chapter, DAR
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Lewes Town Chapter, SAR
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Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Assoc.
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Historic Lewes/Maritime Museum
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History Book Festival
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Overfalls Foundation
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Coastal Concerts
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St. Peter's Church
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Lewes in Bloom
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Art in Bloom
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Fort Miles
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Overfalls Foundation
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Southern DE Tourism
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Delaware State Tourism Office
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DE River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation
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Singers & Songwriters
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Spoken Word Society
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18 C English Country Dance Group
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Rotary
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Southern Delaware Orchestra
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Osher/OLLI
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Lions Club
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Zwaanendael Club
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Zwaanendael Museum
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Cinema Art Theatre
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Groome Church
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St. Peter's Church
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1812 Society
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Greater Lewes Foundation ★ Lewes African American Heritage Commission ★ Lewes Public Library ★ Go Fourth ★ American Legion ★ Historic Lewes Farmers Market ★ Col. David Hall Chapter, DAR ★ Lewes Town Chapter, SAR ★ Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Assoc. ★ Historic Lewes/Maritime Museum ★ History Book Festival ★ Overfalls Foundation ★ Coastal Concerts ★ St. Peter's Church ★ Lewes in Bloom ★ Art in Bloom ★ Fort Miles ★ Overfalls Foundation ★ Southern DE Tourism ★ Delaware State Tourism Office ★ DE River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation ★ Singers & Songwriters ★ Spoken Word Society ★ 18 C English Country Dance Group ★ Rotary ★ Southern Delaware Orchestra ★ Osher/OLLI ★ Lions Club ★ Zwaanendael Club ★ Zwaanendael Museum ★ Cinema Art Theatre ★ Groome Church ★ St. Peter's Church ★ 1812 Society ★
Stay in the know on all things lewes 250.
Sign up to be the first to hear about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, commemorations, and ways to get involved.
A Heartfelt Thank You
to Our Sponsors
Lewes 250 would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. From local businesses to community organizations, your contributions make this once-in-a-generation celebration come alive.
Because of you, we can honor our town’s role as the First Town in the First State, celebrate 250 years of American history, and create events that will inspire pride for years to come.
We are proud to stand alongside sponsors who share our love for Lewes and our commitment to preserving its story. Thank you for helping us make history together.
In Partnership With the
Greater Lewes Foundation
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Lewes African American Heritage Commission
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Lewes Public Library
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Go Fourth
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American Legion
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Historic Lewes Farmers Market
★
Col. David Hall Chapter, DAR
★
Lewes Town Chapter, SAR
★
Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Assoc.
★
Historic Lewes/Maritime Museum
★
History Book Festival
★
Overfalls Foundation
★
Coastal Concerts
★
St. Peter's Church
★
Lewes in Bloom
★
Art in Bloom
★
Fort Miles
★
Overfalls Foundation
★
Southern DE Tourism
★
Delaware State Tourism Office
★
DE River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation
★
Singers & Songwriters
★
Spoken Word Society
★
18 C English Country Dance Group
★
Rotary
★
Southern Delaware Orchestra
★
Osher/OLLI
★
Zwaanendael Club
★
Zwaanendael Museum
★
Cinema Art Theatre
★
Groome Church
★
St. Peter's Church
★
1812 Society
★
Greater Lewes Foundation ★ Lewes African American Heritage Commission ★ Lewes Public Library ★ Go Fourth ★ American Legion ★ Historic Lewes Farmers Market ★ Col. David Hall Chapter, DAR ★ Lewes Town Chapter, SAR ★ Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Assoc. ★ Historic Lewes/Maritime Museum ★ History Book Festival ★ Overfalls Foundation ★ Coastal Concerts ★ St. Peter's Church ★ Lewes in Bloom ★ Art in Bloom ★ Fort Miles ★ Overfalls Foundation ★ Southern DE Tourism ★ Delaware State Tourism Office ★ DE River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation ★ Singers & Songwriters ★ Spoken Word Society ★ 18 C English Country Dance Group ★ Rotary ★ Southern Delaware Orchestra ★ Osher/OLLI ★ Zwaanendael Club ★ Zwaanendael Museum ★ Cinema Art Theatre ★ Groome Church ★ St. Peter's Church ★ 1812 Society ★
