Voices Heard: The History and Legacy of the Black Community in Lewes

The exhibit continues the Lewes Historical Society (LHS) and Lewes African American Heritage Commission’s (LAAHC) quest to preserve such history that was often neglected and rarely recorded. Originating from the LHS’s 2023 documentary, also titled “Voices Heard,” the exhibit features about 30 photographs from the late 1800s to the 1960s depicting various aspects of the Black experience in Lewes, such as church, military service, growing up, business, and recreation. The documentary is also run on a continuous loop for visitors to watch. Overall, the exhibit depicts a vibrant Black community that once played a significant role in creating the culture of Lewes. The photographs, on public display for the first time, are on loan from the Daisey Family Legacy Collection, other private collections, and the LHS. While Lewes’ Black population has shrunk from about 25% in the 1960s to only 1% today (per U.S. Census), it’s past and present contributions continue to shape the community. The exhibit runs through December 29th at the Lewes History Museum on 101 Adams Ave, Lewes.  Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. For more information call 302-645-7076 or go to historiclewes.org.  The museum is open from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Winter hours). Venue: Lewes Historical Society.