Zwaanendael Museum facts for kids
Based on the State House in Hoorn, The Netherlands
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| Established | 1931 |
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| Location | 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware, 19958USA 302.645.1148 |
| Type | History |
| Public transit access | Cape May−Lewes Ferry |
The Zwaanendael Museum is a special place located in Lewes, Delaware. It was built to celebrate a big moment in history: the 300th anniversary of Delaware's very first European settlement. This settlement was called Zwaanendael, and it was founded way back in 1631. The museum building itself looks like an old city hall from Hoorn, a town in the Netherlands.
The museum's design includes many features from 17th-century Dutch buildings. You can see its unique stepped front, called a gable. It also has special terra cotta roof tiles. Look closely for carved stonework and fancy decorated shutters. At the very top of the building's front, there is a statue. This statue honors David Pietersen de Vries. He was the leader of the group that founded the original Swanendael settlement.
The building was designed by an architect named E. William Martin from Wilmington. It was finished and ready in 1932.
Exploring the Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum shows the rich history of Sussex County. It tells the stories of the people who lived along Delaware's southeastern coast. The exhibits help visitors understand what life was like in this area long ago.
What You Can See Inside
The museum has many interesting displays for you to explore.
- Local History: Learn about the everyday lives of people in Lewes and the surrounding area.
- Shipwrecks and Lighthouses: Discover tales of ships lost at sea and the important role of lighthouses. You can learn about the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse.
- War of 1812: Find out about the time the British attacked Lewes during the War of 1812. This event is known as the bombardment of Lewes.
- River and Bay Pilots: See how pilots guided ships safely through the Delaware River and Bay.
- Changing Coastline: Understand how the Delaware coastline has changed over many years.
- Unique Exhibits: The museum also has some very unusual items. One famous display is a feejee mermaid. This interesting item originally came from China. A local family bought it and later loaned it to the museum for everyone to see.
See also
- Zwaanendael Colony
- De Vries Palisade
- List of museums in Delaware
- Lewes Historic District
