The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House — Attraction in Lewes

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...

From my earliest childhood memories in the early 2000s, to today, this museum and its lovely volunteers are a gem, an asset, and an invaluable hub of history and local knowledge. Back when I was too young to read the bulk of the signage, I recall volunteers happily following little me around and answering all of my burning toddler questions. I can’t wait to bring my adult self back and get the full experience!

I still reminisce about touching the cannonball when I was young, and the genuine smile on an elderly volunteer’s face when he invited my family in to learn more. That man is likely long deceased now, but I remember him, and I remember how wholesome...

100% recommend a visit! Such an absolutely wonderful and educational experience. William, our house guide, was very intelligent and a great conversationalist. Him and the other attendant, (forgive me, I can't remember his name) were a light-hearted duo and highly knowledgeable on the many historical events, customs, and maritime odds and ends that surround Lewes. Billy also gave us some excellent dining and brewery recommendations. Perfect for your first stop in this incredible town!

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