Lewes to celebrate Maritime Day and Lightship Overfalls

The public is welcome to experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the region during the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 20.

Lewes, known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys both a rich seafaring history and diverse current maritime interests.

The event, co-organized by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, and supported by the Zwaanendael Museum, Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lewes, includes displays, boat rides, vessel tours and activities, all free and open to the public.

A brief Opening and Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. to kick off the day and reopen the Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) for its 50th season on the Lewes waterfront. The ceremony will include laying of wreaths to honor and remember local mariners and Overfalls Foundation members who have crossed the bar.

“Lewes has a unique place in the annals of American maritime history, of which the ferry is a part,” said Heath Gehrke, CMLF director of ferry operations. “The festival is a fun and interactive way to learn more about our maritime history, industry and its many vocations. Come and join us for a great day of activities and exhibits as we celebrate the U.S. Merchant Marine, its historic support of the nation’s military and the many careers it offers.”

“Our objective for this Maritime Day is to inform and educate the public about the contribution of maritime resources in the local community and to share the community’s rich maritime history, including that of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and U.S. Lifesaving Service, precursors to the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Michael Safina, Overfalls Foundation president. “The Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) and the nearby Overfalls Lightship Station played major roles in the safe navigation of ships and their mariners throughout this nation’s history. This year, we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the ship’s construction and the 50th anniversary of its arrival in Lewes. We look forward to having the community join us for the day.”

The Lightship Overfalls and museum property will be open for free tours throughout the day. Various maritime participants will have displays at Canalfront Park near the Overfalls, and some vessels, including New Jersey’s tall ship, AJ Meerwald, will be open for public tours and boat rides. It is a great way for scout groups, school groups, and parents and kids of all ages to spend the day.

Other Maritime Day activities include a life-raft demonstration by the ferry and a water cannon display by the fire boat from Lewes Fire Department. Lewes Historical Society interpreters will be portraying unique historical figures from the De Braak at both Canalfront Park and the Lewes Maritime Museum - Cannonball House.

Additional exhibitors include Bowers Maritime Museum, Cape Water Taxi, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation, Fort Miles Historical Association, Freedom Boat Club, Lewes Fire Department, Lewes Historical Society, Overfalls Foundation, Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware, Sea Scouts, University of Delaware, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Zwaanendael Museum.

In 1933, the U.S.Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day to honor the contributions of the American merchant marine – civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775 and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II. Observance of National Maritime Day also honors the maritime industry and the benefits it brings Americans in terms of transportation, jobs, goods and recreational opportunities.

For more information about the Overfalls Foundation, go to overfalls.org, and for details about the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, go to cmlf.com.