As part of the History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series, John Bolster will discuss the story of the Overfalls (LV118) and its history as a lightship from when it was launched in 1938 to when it arrived in Lewes in 1973. The talk also will cover the history of the Overfalls Lightstation - just east of Cape Henlopen - where there was a lightship stationed from 1898 until 1960.

John Bolster is a recent (2019) transplant to Delaware. He grew up around the water in Massachusetts and spent time working as dockmaster at a boatyard in Connecticut. A retired technical instructor and lifelong student of maritime history, he became a guide on the Overfalls lightship when he moved to the Lewes area. As the Overfalls curator, he now manages the preservation and display of the various artifacts on the ship and in the lightship's museum. He also can occasionally be found sailing on Rehoboth Bay with his wife on the small wooden sailing dory he built.

The History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series is a collaborative effort of the Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Public Library. The Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay have been an integral part of Delaware’s history, and have connected the small state to global events and issues. Maritime communities and industries have taken advantage of Delaware's coast for centuries. Delawareans past and present have benefited and struggled against the water's constant change. Through lectures, music, and historical theater, the goal of History Revival: Coastal Chronicles is to widen the understanding of maritime history within Delaware.

This lecture series is partially funded by the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.