Ryves Holt House

This house, built in 1665 in Lewes, Delaware by early Dutch settlers, is thought to be built thirty years after the destruction of the nearby ill-fated Zwaanendael colony, one of the first Dutch settlements in America, and first European settlement in Delaware. It survived the Lord Baltimore raids, which eventually led to the English taking control of the area. The house was purchased in 1723 by its namesake, Ryves Holt, who served as the first Chief Justice of Delaware from 1745 until his death in 1763.

---

 

The red Ryves Holt House is photographed on a bright sunny day.

 

Learn and Explore

---

Things To Do

Today, visitors can take a tour of Historic Homes and museums, enjoy trolley tours of the town and attend seasonal events such as: Christmas Tour of Lewes and Craft Fairs.

---

Hours of Operation

• January through March:
  Thursday-Saturday: 11:00am- 4:00pm
  Sunday: 1:00pm- 4:00pm
• June through October:
  Sunday - Monday: 11:00am-5:00pm
• November -December:
  Monday: 11:00am-4:00pm
  Tuesday: CLOSED
  Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00am-4:00pm
  Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
• Special Openings:
  Martin Luther King's Day (Monday, January 16): 1:00pm- 4:00pm
  Presidents' Day (Monday, February 20): 1:00pm- 4:00pm

---

Location

218 Second Street, Lewes DE 19958

---

Contact Information

This site is interpreted by our partners at the Lewes Historical Society. For questions regarding tours, special programs, or hours please visit their website or call them at [phone].

Know Before You Go

• Events & Programs
• History of the Ryves Holt House