African American History walking tours to commence Feb. 26

The Lewes Historical Society, in observation of Black History Month, will debut its newest walking tour, Finding Their Voices: African American History and Heritage, at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27.

The 90-minute tour covers an eight-block area within the Lewes historic district and includes eight sites of historical importance. It was developed utilizing new research conducted by the historical society with invaluable assistance provided by the Lewes African American Heritage Commission and St. George AME Church in Lewes. The tour narrative chronicles landmarks in the 300-plus years of contributions by Black residents to the social, industrial, educational and religious fabric of the town.

The stories of historic religious founders, soldiers, sailors and shipbuilders will be told against the backdrop of the town in which they lived and worked. Several of the perhaps lesser-known family names such as Burton, Lockwood, Riley and Witbank will be revealed in notable recollections dating to the Colonial period and on through the Lewes menhaden fishing industry of the 20th century.

Tour participants are encouraged to engage in critical thinking along the walking route and will be aided by historic photographs, maps and records curated from the historical society’s archives. These documents present the changing nature of Lewes as a maritime town whose waterfront would have hosted diverse cultural experiences and lifestyles throughout the centuries.

Finding Their Voices: African American History and Heritage walking tours continue each Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30. In the summer, tours will also be offered at 4 p.m., Tuesdays, June 7 to Oct. 25.

Attendees should gather at the the Lewes Historical Society campus, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. Cost is $10 per person and $5 per child age 12 and under.

To register, go to historiclewes.org or call 302-645-7670.