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Location
Best time
Plan your visit between April 1 - October 31 (Wed-Sat 10am-4pm) for maximum accessibility, as winter hours are more limited (Nov 1 - Dec 20 only) and the museum closes entirely December 21 - March 31
Visitor tip
Don't miss the outdoor exhibits in the backyard including the lightship fog bell, harbor pilot skiff, and three authentic 1812-era cannons - these provide valuable context for understanding Lewes' maritime and military history
Visitor tip
Bring young children - volunteer staff are known for being especially welcoming and patient with kids, offering personalized explanations and creating memorable learning experiences beyond what the signage provides
Quick Facts
- Type
- Maritime Museum
- Historic Significance
- Only surviving Lewes structure damaged during 1812 British Bombardment
- Built
- Mid-18th century
- Highlights
- War of 1812 exhibits, working telegraph set, Delaware navigation history
- Admission
- Free (donations welcomed)
What visitors say
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…
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…
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…
From 49 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The Cannonball House contains an actual British cannonball lodged in its foundation from the War of 1812 bombardment of Lewes, Delaware, which is now displayed inside the museum rather than embedded in the structure
- The museum features a working telegraph set as an interactive exhibit demonstrating early wireless electronic technology and the role Lewes played in the dawn of the electronic age
- The museum recently underwent formal documentation through the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Heritage Documentation Program, indicating recognition of the building's architectural and historical significance
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