Performing arts

MILTON THEATRE
This historic gem has faced some challenges. In 1962, the Ash Wednesday Storm flooded the theater, resulting in its abandonment. In 1999, a grassroots effort resurrected the theater, which then fell on hard financial times in 2010. It reopened in 2014 with a schedule of plays, musical performances, comedy and movies. This fall features the Delaware Comedy Theatre on Oct. 15; a tribute to Don Knotts, “Tied up in Knotts,” on Oct. 21; “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 30; and a holiday drag show, “Magnolia Applebottom,” on Dec. 16. 110 Union St., Milton, 684-038

COASTAL CONCERTS
This organization promotes classical music with concerts, outreach and educational activities. A five-concert subscription series runs October through March. Fall performances feature the American Brass Quintet and pianist Ingrid Filter. Concerts are held at Bethel United Methodist Church Hall, Fourth and Market streets, Lewes, (888) 212-6458

CLEAR SPACE THEATRE COMPANY
Founded in 2004 as Clear Space Productions, the nonprofit group has a professional acting company, an arts institute that offers classes and a touring division. Shows this fall include “How I Learned to Drive,” “The Last Five Years,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-2270

THE DELAWARE COMEDY THEATRE
Dedicated to bringing comedy, comedy improvisational training and performance to Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, the group holds events in Clear Space Theatre and the Milton Theatre in the fall. 258-5443

THE FREEMAN STAGE AT BAYSIDE
This outdoor, open-air theater, which opened in 2008, stages most of its events during the summer, but there are a few September events, including Bruce in the USA on Sept. 9 and the fundraisers Harvest, Harmony & Hops on Sept. 10 and the Black & Tan Celebration on Sept. 17. 31556 Winterberry Pkwy., Selbyville, 436-3015

Museums & historic attractions

MILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located in a former Methodist Church, the society’s museum is dedicated to a town that was once famous for its shipbuilding. 210 Union St., Milton, 684-1010

HISTORIC LEWES
Founded in 1631 by the Dutch, Lewes is the “first town in the first state.” The Lewes Historical Society celebrates the city’s maritime past in the Cannonball House, named for the cannonball that struck it during the British bombardment in 1813. There are many other buildings to tour both on Second Street and on the society’s complex on Shipcarpenter Street. For information call the Lewes Historical Society, 645-7670. 

THE LIGHTSHIP OVERFALLS
LV 118, dubbed the Lightship Overfalls, was the last lightship commissioned by the office of U.S. Lighthouse Services. Docked on the canal in Lewes along Pilottown Road, it’s open to the public for guided tours. 644-8050

ZWAANENDAEL MUSEUM
Opened in 1931 to honor Delaware’s first settlement, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631, the museum is a showcase for the Lewes area’s maritime, military and social history. 102 Kings Hwy., Lewes, 645-1148

FORT MILES​
Built in 1941 to defend Philadelphia and the industries along the Delaware River and Bay, the fort occupied what is now Cape Henlopen State Park. The Fort Miles Historical Association, formed in 2003, has turned a historic area with mounted guns, a bunker and military buildings into a museum dedicated to World War II history. 

REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE
Founded in 1938, the art league has galleries, holds special events and offers classes. The Homestead, a circa-1743, is on the property. A historic landmark, it was once the home of one of the RAL’s founders, Louise Chambers Corkran and her husband, Wilbur S. Corkran. 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres, 227-8408

REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM
Located in the Old Ice House, the museum salutes the history of Rehoboth Beach with exhibits featuring vintage bathing suits, postcards, maps, surfboards and archaeological artifacts. 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-7310

INDIAN RIVER LIFESAVING STATION MUSEUM
Built in 1879, this historic landmark has been restored by the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation. The museum also hosts workshops and ghost tours. 25039 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, 227-6991

FENWICK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE 
The 87-foot tall light, authorized by the U.S. Government Lighthouse Board in 1858, has early photos of Fenwick Island, artifacts and a souvenir shop. The Trans-peninsular Line marker, which marks the southern boundary of Delaware, is also on the site. It’s on Del. 54, right off Del. 1. 436-8100

DISCOVERSEA SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
In Fenwick Island, diver Dale Clifton’s gems, weapons, gold and doubloons—and his vivid stories—will thrill wide-eyed children. It’s located above Sea Shell City. 708 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, 539-9366

NANTICOKE INDIAN MUSEUM
Before the settlers and the tourists, there was the Nanticoke tribe. Artifacts in the museum, an old schoolhouse, offer a glimpse into their customs and history—one that lives on among many local families. 27073 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro, 945-7022

Coastal Concerts will present the American Brass Quintet (left) and pianist Ingrid Filter (right) this fall at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes.