Prior to this program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, the society will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. to elect board members and to discuss society activities.

Nanticoke Chief Larry Jackson will head the evening’s events and introduce dancers who will explain the significance of their dress and the meaning of the dances being performed.

“Many people look at our regalia and think ‘costume.’ Our tribal wear reflects tradition and also may have origins in things handed down from generations before us. Native Americans don’t wear costumes. Our regalia has deep and traditional meaning for each of us,” said Jackson.

Familiar participants in the annual visit to the Lewes Historical Society by the Nanticokes, Ragatha Rain Calentine and Boe Harris will also highlight the evening’s dancing and discussion. “Raggie,” as she is known, will spell the audience with her tales from her Cherokee heritage. Her gift of storytelling is captivating and often relates to Native American history such as the Trail of Tears during which scores of Indians died as they were forced to relocate to new lands.

Harris, a native Ojibwe-Dakota, will support the dancers with an interlude of Native American flute music. The dancers will perform to the rhythm of a tribal drum played by tribal singers and drummers.

The Lewes Historical Society is proud of its association with the Nanticokes. The tradition of sharing their history and traditions of American Indian culture at the society’s November programs began more than a decade ago.

Their previous attendance and traditional performances have been met with enthusiasm by both tribal members and their audiences. The society is proud to continue to highlight the important cultural and historical significance of Delaware’s Nanticoke people.

The program is free and the public is cordially invited to attend and participate. Refreshments will be served following the program.