Lewes Life Saving Station, Lewes Travel Guide

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Explore the heroic maritime history of Delaware at the Lewes Life Saving Station, a tribute to the U.S. Life-Saving Service.

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Lewes Life Saving Station

The Lewes Life Saving Station, built in 1884, stands as a tribute to the brave surfmen who rescued shipwrecked mariners along Delaware's coast. Now a museum, it showcases the tools, artifacts, and stories of the U.S. Life-Saving Service.

A brief summary to Lewes Life Saving Station

2 Shipcarpenter St, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lewes Life Saving Station.

Check the operating hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
Chat with the knowledgeable staff to hear fascinating stories about the station's history.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the scenic waterfront and nearby beaches.
Consider visiting other historical sites in Lewes for a full day of exploration.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus

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Explore Lewes Life Saving Station on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lewes Life Saving Station, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Lewes Historic District, walk south on 2nd Street towards Shipcarpenter Street. Turn left onto Shipcarpenter Street and continue for about 0.2 miles. The Lewes Life Saving Station will be on your right at 2 Shipcarpenter St.
Public Transport

Take the DART bus route that services Lewes and get off at the nearest stop to 2nd Street. Walk south on 2nd Street for about 0.3 miles, then turn left onto Shipcarpenter Street. The Lewes Life Saving Station will be on your right. A one-way cash fare is $2.
Driving

From Coastal Highway (Route 1), turn onto Savannah Road towards Lewes. Continue onto 2nd Street, then turn left onto Shipcarpenter Street. The Lewes Life Saving Station will be on your right. Metered parking is available in downtown Lewes for $1.50 per hour, in effect from May 1 to Oct 14.

Discover more about Lewes Life Saving Station

The Lewes Life Saving Station offers a glimpse into the heroic past of maritime rescues on the Delaware coast. Established in 1884, the station was one of six along the Delaware coast and played a crucial role in saving lives from shipwrecks, especially during harsh storms like the Great Blizzard of 1888. The surfmen stationed here braved treacherous conditions to rescue sailors from peril, embodying the spirit of courage and service.Today, the Lewes Life Saving Station serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which later became part of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage rescue equipment, photographs, and personal accounts of daring rescues. The museum provides insights into the daily lives and challenges faced by the life-saving crews, highlighting their vital role in maritime safety.The station's location in the historic town of Lewes adds to its charm, offering visitors the chance to explore the scenic waterfront and nearby beaches. The Lewes Historical Society acquired the Boat House in 1979 and has worked to preserve and restore it, including repainting it in the original USLSS colors. Adjacent to the Overfalls Maritime Museum and the Cannonball House Maritime Museum, the Lewes Life Saving Station is part of a rich maritime history trail in Lewes.