The United States Life-Saving Service in Lewes

Join Ryan Schwartz and Dawson Gehrke of Historic Lewes as they explore the United States Life-Saving Service and its longstanding connection to Lewes. The United States Life-Saving Service protected the American coast and saved lives in peril at sea from 1871 until 1915, when it became part of the United States Coast Guard. This 45-minute presentation with following Q & A will explore the origins of the organization following the American Civil War, how it came to Lewes, and how the local surf-men and their keeper used the latest technology of the age to save lives in peril on the sea. It is a story of public service, innovation, courage, and selflessness, kept alive today in our community by the collaboration of Historic Lewes and the Overfalls Foundation.