To commemorate Lewes’s 250th anniversary, Historic Lewes and the Dogfish INN will host a spirited discussion exploring Lewes’s revolutionary-era connections to the West Indies on Wednesday, September 2 at 5 p.m. On the eve of the Revolution, Lewes’s principal trading partner was the Indies, and one of its most significant imports was rum. Operating outside legal trade channels, these entrepreneurial Lewistowners often skirted authorities while importing coffee, rum, and later munitions to our shores.

Throughout the evening, Andrew and our friends at the Lewes Historical Society will share stories that probably never made it into the history books, uncovering the lesser-known connections between Lewes, trade, and the Revolution. Darren from Dogfish Head Distilling Co. will offer samples of Dogfish Head Rum and discuss rum’s role in shaping commerce and culture, while Ben from Gaia Coffee Co. will explore the history of coffee and its journey to our shores. Together, their perspectives will help bring this fascinating chapter of Lewes history to life. Dogfish Head products will be available for  purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Lewes Historical Society.