In the midst of mind-numbing summer traffic, blistering heat and the sounds of Lewes’ tourism season, there’s a small, secluded complex on Shipcarpenter Street offering a refuge of quiet and shade.
This complex is the main campus of the Lewes Historical Society.
In a community that proudly bears the title of “The First Town in the First State,” there are multiple locations maintaining the historic significance of Lewes’s past. Whether it’s the red-skirted Lightship Overfalls gracing the canal, the Life-Saving Station or the eye-catching Dutch architecture of the Zwaanendael Museum, there’s no mistaking the historic charm this town has to offer.
While the historic district of Lewes boasts well over a hundred buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, one of the prime objectives of the Lewes Historical Society is the maintenance and preservation of original structures dating as far back as the late 17th century.
On the main campus there are 10 buildings — most of which have been donated and moved on-site — that can be explored through the various tours offered by the organization. The campus is designed in a manner that replicates the feel of a main street in a small-scale town. Time-worn brick, cedar planking, clapboard, exposed timbers and other notable exterior elements immediately immerse visitors into the experience.
The landscaped grounds surrounding these buildings are grassy and lush, with large trees scattered strategically to offer a cooling canopy of shade and protection.
Educating the public through tours, museum exhibits, various festivals and public events is part of the day-to-day workings of the society. But the complex also offers a unique setting for personal gatherings, welcoming a variety of events from reunions and graduations to workshops and children’s classes.
And for the couple looking to embrace a quiet, intimate wedding, the property provides a stunning outdoor backdrop.
As First State natives, Nick and Rebecca Memmolo wanted to share with their guests everything they love about coastal Delaware. With as much time as they spent in the area on dates and in their free time visiting local restaurants, craft breweries and outdoor spaces, they knew that keeping their wedding local was a must. And when it came to picking their location, they wanted an outdoor venue that highlighted Delaware’s charm.
“We considered several state parks, until we saw photos from a previous wedding at Lewes Historical Society,” Rebecca said of spotting the location in a previous issue of Delaware Seaside Bride magazine. “And felt that it was a natural fit for our theme. We were initially drawn to the property because of its historical relevance, the charm of its location, and the beauty of the buildings and landscaping.”
Even their wedding colors — sea-glass green, sandy beige and a range of blues — took on a local origin with inspiration from a Tower Beach State Park sign.
From personally hand-crafting shandy flights served during cocktail hour, to the plant favors propagated from their own houseplant collection, keeping everything locally curated was a purposeful goal.
“We were intentional about every detail and created many of the wedding details ourselves to be sure it was a day that was meaningful to us, celebrated our relationship and shared the many things we love about coastal Delaware.”
While the couple said they absolutely loved using the Lewes Historical Society’s Shipcarpenter campus as their wedding venue, they did discover in the process that planning a wedding on historical property comes with special considerations to preserve that history.
Events coordinator Dana Ferreri connected the couple with a variety of vendors that suited their wants and needs, while also meeting the requirements of campus preservation.
“In order to preserve the lawn — which could not be staked — we had to rent a ballasted tent and had limited lighting options,” Rebecca noted. “However, Coastal Tented Events was familiar with the property and worked closely with the events coordinator to be sure the reception space aligned with our vision.”
Renting restroom facilities is another necessity for interested couples to be aware of, as well as addressing parking, which can be eased by holding the wedding in earlier or later months of the year, so as not to be an issue.
“Because the property is a historical site first, and not primarily a wedding venue, it was important to keep in mind that we had to be flexible and sometimes creative to make the space work for us,” said the couple.
“One surprise we faced was the historic menhaden fishing net reel that was moved to the property after we had booked our wedding date! It was moved to the lawn where we had pictured our reception space, and we had to reimagine the space as a result.”
Because the campus is located in a residential neighborhood, noise restrictions are also in effect and should be taken into consideration. For the couple looking for an all-night dance party, this may not be the best fit. String quartets, solo musicians and light dancing are ideal options for quiet, intimate affairs, which match perfectly with the vibe and aesthetic of the complex.
Those caveats aren’t intended to discourage couples from considering the campus as a venue option. Rather, they serve to fully inform the brides and grooms desiring to embrace the community and history of Lewes of the nuances and expectations that come with holding events on landmark locations.
Nick and Rebecca said they felt strongly that “We had to be mindful of the value of the property to the Lewes community and history of the town. We tried to honor this significance in our planning and on our wedding day.
“In all, it was a beautiful and unique space that reflected many of the elements we love about coastal Delaware. Our wedding was everything we dreamed and more. Working through the quirks was more than worth it in the end!”
For more information on giving your wedding the historic treatment, email the Lewes Historical Society at weddings@historiclewes.org, or call (302) 645-7670 for personalized help in planning your special day. Membership in the society is not required to rent the Historic Complex, however society members do receive a discount on facility rentals. For more information regarding the Lewes Historical Society and their available public programs and events, visit www.historiclewes.org.
