The Wreck of the HMS DeBraak

The HMS DeBraak sank of the coast of Lewes DE in 1798. One of thousands of shipwrecks off the Delaware coast, the shipwreck would have fallen into obscurity like so many others. But legends of Spanish gold motivated salvage companies and treasure seekers to pursue the ship for over 100 years. The salvage of the ship in the 1980’s, while brutal, unearthed an impressive maritime collection, and the fabled treasure was confirmed to have been just a myth. This program will dive into the history of the ship, the maritime world of the late 18th century, and the DeBraak’ s lasting legacy.

The Zwaanendael Museum is operated by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, under the Department of State. Built as a museum in 1931, the Zwaanendael Museum’s distinct Dutch architecture pays homage to the first European colony to arrive in Lewes in 1631. Exhibits focus on local Lewes history, as well as the broader history of Sussex County.