The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House
The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The correct name for this place is The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House. It is an old house that once had a British cannonball lodged in its foundation when Lewes was bombarded during the War of 1812. They have maritime exhibits inside - one room dedicated to local maritime navigation, shipwrecks, etc., one room dedicated to wireless telegraphs, and then the entire upstairs (two rooms & a landing) dedicated to the War of 1812 and the bombardment of Lewes. There is a replica cannonball stuck in the bricks out front, but that is not real. The real one is upstairs on display and is not stuck in the foundation anymore. Out back they have a lightship fog bell, a skiff used by Delaware Bay harbor pilots, and three cannon of the same styles used by Lewes to fire back at the British in 1812. Touring Cannonball House takes about 30-45 minutes to read everything - they have plenty of signage and are very informative, but the space itself is pretty small. The exhibits were well done. I learned a lot, as did my wife. This is part of the Lewes Historical Society, so it's either $5 per person or you can get the $10 combo ticket and see all three of their paid entrance museums (Life-Saving Station, History Museum, and Maritime Museum/Cannonball House). All are within walking distance of each other, so we did the combo ticket. We bought our tickets at the Life-Saving Station but all locations sell them. We found free parking in front of the Episcopal Church about a block away. Great activity on a rainy day, superb old aura inside the house, and very educational. Highly recommended.
Evan Dwyer
00
Not exaggerating, this was the coolest museum I've ever been to. Want to hold and read a newspaper from 1813? How about hold a cannonball fired into Lewes from 200 years ago. So much info, so much history. I talked to the gentleman there about the history of the town and wish I could have stayed longer! I'll have to come back
patrick soler
00
Why is there a cannon ball stuck in the house? The photos show the house and the backyard with all the artifacts. I would recommend seeing this part of our history - War of 1812. I missed the tour ($5.00 cost) but there is a plaque by the house to provide the story of what happened here.
Daniel Grove
00
The cannonball itself is just that, a cannonball. But the historic society and the surrounding area are very interesting. Lots of great stores and restaurants in the area.
Jamie Mack
00
Funtastic, small house so it's really for adult interest in reading and looking at generations past...but with their ticket you can walk to see a lighthouse ship...
Albert Polzinski
00
Great exhibits awesome volunteer. Great information and really easy to go through.
James Carroll
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House
Dogfish Inn
Zwaanendael Museum
The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
Hotel Blue
Heidi Lowe Gallery and Lovely Rings by Hand
Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Lightship Overfalls LV-118
Lewes Public Library
Quest Kayak
Blooming Boutique

Dogfish Inn
4.9
(268)
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Zwaanendael Museum
4.5
(139)
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The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
4.8
(131)
Click for details

Hotel Blue
4.6
(126)
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Nearby Restaurants Of The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House
Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
Touch of Italy
Agave Mexican Restaurant
Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch
Wheelhouse
Striper Bites
Lewes Oyster House
Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar
Lewes Bake Shoppe & Notting Hill Coffee Roastery
Pig & Publican

Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
4.4
(914)
Click for details

Touch of Italy
4.6
(589)
Click for details

Agave Mexican Restaurant
4.4
(935)
Click for details

Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch
4.6
(548)
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Basic Info
Address
118 Front St, Lewes, DE 19958
Map
Phone
(302) 645-7670
Call
Website
historiclewes.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(31 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Dogfish Inn, Zwaanendael Museum, The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, Hotel Blue, Heidi Lowe Gallery and Lovely Rings by Hand, Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Lightship Overfalls LV-118, Lewes Public Library, Quest Kayak, Blooming Boutique, restaurants: Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, Touch of Italy, Agave Mexican Restaurant, Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch, Wheelhouse, Striper Bites, Lewes Oyster House, Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar, Lewes Bake Shoppe & Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, Pig & Publican
