Are the tours guided or self-led?

The tours are guided by knowledgeable members of the Lewes Historical Society who share detailed stories about the town’s maritime history.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and can engage children interested in history and local stories.

Can tours be booked year-round?

Tours typically run from spring through fall, with limited availability in winter months; checking in advance is recommended.

How long is the walking tour?

The average tour lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, covering key historic sites within downtown Lewes.

Are there any accessibility accommodations?

Some paths involve cobblestones and uneven surfaces which may challenge mobility devices; contact the provider for specific accommodations.

Is parking available near the starting point?

Yes, there are several public parking options nearby, including municipal lots within a short walk of the tour meeting point.

Historic Walking Tours & Maritime Heritage in Lewes, DE

Lewes, Delaware, often called the "First Town in the First State," offers visitors a captivating glimpse into America's maritime past through engaging historic walking tours such as those provided by Views Into the Past. This experience focuses on the city's rich seafaring heritage and well-preserved architecture from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Situated on the Delaware Bay, Lewes played a vital role as a bustling seaport, supporting fishing, shipbuilding, and trade along the mid-Atlantic coast. Views Into the Past partners with the Lewes Historical Society to bring these stories to life, guiding guests through the charming streets and around key historic buildings that once housed merchants, ship captains, and local artisans. Visitors encounter stunning examples of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian architecture, including carefully restored warehouses and homes that reflect Lewes' maritime roots. Along the route, interpreters share compelling narratives about influential figures from the town’s past and the community’s role in early American commerce and navigation. The cultural legacy extends beyond architecture, touching on legends of the Delaware Bay’s fishermen and the town’s strategic importance during various historical periods. As the oldest town in Delaware, established in 1631, Lewes preserves a unique slice of mid-Atlantic coastal heritage seldom found in more commercialized tourist spots. This makes Views Into the Past a standout destination for history buffs and casual visitors alike seeking an intimate connection to America's seafaring traditions. By supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, the Lewes Historical Society also helps protect this living history, ensuring the town’s maritime story continues to inspire future generations.

About Lewes Historical Society

Lewes Historical Society preserves and interprets the history of Lewes, Delaware, through guided tours, educational programs, and stewardship of historic properties. The organization presents a range of public experiences that illuminate the town’s maritime, cultural, and Revolutionary-era past. Highlights include guided walking tours such as Views Into the Past, the Lewes History Highlights Walking Tour, the Revolutionary Lewes Walking Tour, and themed programs on African American history titled "Voices Heard". Seasonal and special events range from Shipwrecks & Rescues beach walks to evening Lewes Legends and Fires of the Revolution bonfire nights. The Society also partners with First State Paranormal Investigations to present Haunted Histories Paranormal Investigations at the Burton Ingram House.

Tours vary in length from short 45-minute walks to two-hour investigations and beach explorations, each led by interpreters familiar with local architecture, shipwreck lore, and documented historic sites on the Shipcarpenter Street Campus. Programs emphasize factual research, archival materials, and site-based interpretation to connect visitors with Lewes’s three-hundred-year maritime and civic history.

Visitors can find schedule and booking details through the Society’s public listings and local visitor information channels. The Lewes Historical Society focuses on accurate interpretation of primary sources and preservation of historic structures, making it a reliable resource for residents, students, and travelers seeking an informative, place-based historical experience. Located in Lewes, Delaware at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, the Society’s offerings include guided tours, beach walk tours, paranormal investigations, evening walking tours, and special commemorative events that connect community and visitors to local heritage.