Lewes Historical Society presents VOICES HEARD: The Legacy of the Black Community in Lewes

From 2020 through 2023, the Lewes Historical Society, in conjunction with the African American Heritage Commission of Lewes, conducted research into the conditions that lead to a diminished population of the African American Community within the town of Lewes. In 1800 the racial population make up of Lewes existed as 17% enslaved Blacks, 30% free Blacks, and 53% Whites. Present day, there are less than ten Black families still living in Lewes that can trace their lineage to the early 19th Century.  Discussion of ignored, overlooked, or purposefully hidden historical facts resulted in emotional reminisces of community elders’ contributions to oral histories and the creation of a documentary film, “Voices Heard: The History & Legacy of the American Community in Lewes.”