Cannonball House Maritime Museum
Discover Lewes' maritime past at the Cannonball House, featuring a real cannonball from the War of 1812 and engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Cannonball House Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lewes' maritime past at the Cannonball House, featuring a real cannonball from the War of 1812 and engaging exhibits.
"This museum and its lovely volunteers are a gem, an asset, and an invaluable hub of history and local knowledge."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for all 3 Lewes Historical Society museums to save money!
🅿️ Easy Parking
Look for free parking near the Episcopal Church, just a block away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Infamous Cannonball
Upstairs exhibit
See the actual cannonball that struck the house during the War of 1812, a tangible piece of history.
War of 1812 Exhibits
Upstairs rooms
Immerse yourself in the history of the bombardment of Lewes and its significance.
Maritime Navigation Room
First floor
Explore local maritime navigation, shipwrecks, and the tools of seafaring life.
Lightship Fog Bell
Backyard
Discover this impressive artifact from a lightship, a vital tool for maritime safety.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Lewes' Maritime Past
Combo Tickets & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for all 3 Lewes Historical Society museums to save money!
🅿️ Easy Parking
Look for free parking near the Episcopal Church, just a block away.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore; it's a small but informative house.
🗣️ Engaging Volunteers
Volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for all 3 Lewes Historical Society museums to save money!
🅿️ Easy Parking
Look for free parking near the Episcopal Church, just a block away.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore; it's a small but informative house.
🗣️ Engaging Volunteers
Volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions.
📜 Informative Signage
Plenty of signs provide detailed historical context for exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cannonball House Maritime Museum for its rich history and the dedication of its volunteers. Many recall fond childhood memories of engaging with the exhibits and knowledgeable staff. While the museum is small, its historical significance and the tangible artifacts, like the actual cannonball, make it a highly recommended stop for those interested in maritime history and the War of 1812.
"From my earliest childhood memories in the early 2000s, to today, this museum and its lovely volunteers are a gem, an asset, and an invaluable hub of history and local knowledge. Back when I was too young to read the bulk of the signage, I recall volunteers happily following little me around and answering all of my burning toddler questions. I can’t wait to bring my adult self back and get the full experience!
I still reminisce about touching the cannonball when I was young, and the genuine smile on an elderly volunteer’s face when he invited my family in to learn more. That man is likely long deceased now, but I remember him, and I remember how wholesome this place is."
Fix It With Ramen Racing
"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."
Evan Dwyer
"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."
Daniel Grove
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Lewes, Delaware. Many visitors find free parking near the Episcopal Church, which is just a block away from the museum.
Information on public transport options to Lewes can be found through local transit authorities. Once in Lewes, the museum is within walking distance of other historical sites.
Visitors often report success finding free parking in front of the Episcopal Church, located about a block from the museum.
Yes, the Cannonball House is part of the Lewes Historical Society and is within walking distance of their other museums, including the Life-Saving Station and History Museum.
Absolutely! The Cannonball House is centrally located in Lewes, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically $5 per person. You can also purchase a $10 combo ticket that grants access to all three Lewes Historical Society museums.
Tickets can be purchased at any of the Lewes Historical Society's museums, including the Life-Saving Station, History Museum, and the Cannonball House itself.
The combo ticket offers a cost-effective way to visit multiple historical sites. Check with the Lewes Historical Society for any other potential discounts.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lewes Historical Society website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visits, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find exhibits on local maritime navigation, shipwrecks, wireless telegraphs, and a dedicated section on the War of 1812 and the bombardment of Lewes.
Most visitors spend about 30-45 minutes exploring the museum, taking time to read the informative signage.
While the museum focuses on historical artifacts and signage, the volunteers often provide engaging stories and answer questions, making the experience interactive.
In the backyard, you can see a lightship fog bell, a skiff used by Delaware Bay harbor pilots, and cannons similar to those used by Lewes in 1812.
The museum is educational and can be interesting for children, especially with the engaging stories from volunteers. However, it's primarily geared towards adult interest in reading and history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check with museum staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography rules.
The exterior of the historic house, the replica cannonball out front, and the artifacts in the backyard (like the fog bell and cannons) offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography for social media is allowed, but commercial use or flash photography might be restricted. Always confirm with staff.
Focus on the historic architecture, the unique cannonball detail, and the maritime artifacts to convey the museum's historical significance.
Yes, cloudy days can provide soft, even lighting that is excellent for capturing the details of the historic building and artifacts without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the combo ticket to explore other Lewes Historical Society museums, which might offer more varied exhibits for children. The backyard artifacts, like the fog bell and cannons, can also spark interest. Plan for a shorter visit, focusing on the most engaging aspects to keep children interested.
📚 History Buffs & Lifelong Learners
The informative signage is extensive, allowing for a thorough self-guided tour. Furthermore, the knowledgeable volunteers are a treasure trove of local history, often sharing anecdotes and details not found on the displays. This museum is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American maritime history and local heritage.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Take advantage of the combo ticket if you plan to see more of Lewes' historical offerings. The museum provides a concentrated dose of local history, offering a glimpse into the town's resilience and maritime significance. Don't miss the artifacts in the backyard, which add another layer to the historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cannonball House: A Symbol of Resilience
Beyond the famous cannonball, the museum offers a rich tapestry of local maritime history. Exhibits delve into the intricacies of maritime navigation, showcasing the tools and knowledge that guided ships through Delaware Bay. You'll also find displays on shipwrecks, highlighting the perils faced by seafarers. The museum also features a fascinating section on wireless telegraphs, illustrating the evolution of communication at sea.
What truly elevates the experience are the dedicated volunteers who bring the history to life. Many visitors recall childhood memories of these passionate individuals sharing stories and answering questions, creating a warm and personal connection to the past.
Exploring Lewes' Maritime Heritage
In the backyard, a collection of maritime artifacts further enriches the visitor experience. The lightship fog bell is a particularly impressive piece, a crucial instrument for maritime safety that once warned ships of nearby hazards. Alongside it, you'll find a skiff once used by Delaware Bay harbor pilots, offering insight into their vital role. The presence of cannons of the same style used by Lewes during the War of 1812 provides a direct link to the town's defensive history.
While the interior of the house is small, the wealth of information presented through detailed signage and the engaging narratives of the volunteers makes it a highly rewarding visit. It’s a place where history feels tangible, allowing visitors to connect with the maritime legacy of Lewes in a meaningful way.
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