The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House - Lewes, Delaware

Daniel Grove

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 the house to provide the story of what happened here.

Evan Dwyer

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 exhibits inside - one room dedicated to local maritime navigation, shipwrecks, etc., one room dedicated to wireless telegraphs, and then the entire upstairs (two rooms & a landing) dedicated to the War of 1812 and the bombardment of Lewes. There is a replica cannonball stuck in the bricks out front, but that is not real. The real one is upstairs on display and is not stuck in the foundation anymore. Out back they have a lightship fog bell, a skiff used by Delaware Bay harbor pilots, and three cannon of the same styles used by Lewes to fire back at the British in 1812. Touring Cannonball House takes about 30-45 minutes to read everything - they have plenty of signage and are very informative, but the space itself is pretty small. The exhibits were well done. I learned a lot, as did my wife. This is part of the Lewes Historical Society, so it's either $5 per person or you can get the $10 combo ticket and see all three of their paid entrance museums (Life-Saving Station, History Museum, and Maritime Museum/Cannonball House). All are within walking distance of each other, so we did the combo ticket. We bought our tickets at the Life-Saving Station but all locations sell them. We found free parking in front of the Episcopal Church about a block away. Great activity on a rainy day, superb old aura inside the house, and very educational. Highly recommended.

Steven M

Such a beautiful location and great place to stop for the whole family. Located downtown Lewes and there are a ton of things to do. There is parking available and more than worth the trip. The historical vibes are cool and educational for the whole family. Love the boats and other things to see. Will definitely come back again.

Albert Polzinski

Funtastic, small house so it's really for adult interest in reading and looking at generations past...but with their ticket you can walk to see a lighthouse ship...

patrick soler

Not exaggerating, this was the coolest museum I've ever been to. Want to hold and read a newspaper from 1813? How about hold a cannonball fired into Lewes from 200 years ago. So much info, so much history. I talked to the gentleman there about the history of the town and wish I could have stayed longer! I'll have to come back

Juan Rangel

It is a nice little museum. Contains a lot of interesting history about the War of 1812 and the tour guide did a great job at explaining it as well. The museum has a nice little park as well.

nancy hendrickson

It’s a little confusing but once you realize it’s one place, not two, all is well. The museum is relatively small but packed with fascinating artifacts. With the help of the volunteer, Richard, history is made clear. Admission fee of $5. is well worth it. Also of note is a nice seat in the garden to rest.

Steve Biebel

100% recommend a visit! Such an absolutely wonderful and educational experience. William, our house guide, was very intelligent and a great conversationalist. Him and the other attendant, (forgive me, I can't remember his name) were a light-hearted duo and highly knowledgeable on the many historical events, customs, and maritime odds and ends that surround Lewes. Billy also gave us some excellent dining and brewery recommendations. Perfect for your first stop in this incredible town!

Edited for grammar**