Delaware River and Bay Authority officials are asking the public to share their ferry experiences, photos and memorabilia for an exhibit to coincide with the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s 50th Anniversary next year.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority and serves the Twin Capes region of Cape May and Lewes, began operations on July 1, 1964.
The first ferry vessel departed the Lewes terminal at 6:47 a.m., carrying eight vehicles and 15 passengers. The authority is in the early stages of planning events and activities to celebrate the significant milestone.
“The Ferry has always been important to the communities of Lewes and Cape May and to the larger Twin Capes region,” said Scott Green, Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
“A central focus of the 50th anniversary celebration will be an exhibition in multiple locations in 2014, based primarily in both of our ferry terminals, highlighting this exciting moment in history and all of the people who made it possible.”
Memories may be shared on the 50th Anniversary Memorabilia album on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s Facebook page (go to “Photos” and look for the 50th Anniversary Memorabilia) or they be sent via email directly to the Delaware River and Bay Authority at contact_us@drba.net. Special arrangements to share larger or more valuable pieces of history may be made by calling the authority’s public information officer, James Salmon, at 302-571-6409.
Over the years, the Ferry has transported more than 42 million people and 14 million vehicles across the Delaware Bay. Cars from each of the 50 states and numerous foreign countries have made the ferry trip. The DRBA also has plans for a festival in 2014 to mark the event. The details of this will be released in the Fall of 2013.
