New Interpretive Sign to be Unveiled at Johnnie Walker Beach in Lewes Saturday Morning

A new interpretive sign will be unveiled Saturday at Johnnie Walker Beach in Lewes. The City of Lewes African American Heritage Commission will unveil the sign at 10am at 1 Georgia Avenue.

According to a Cape Gazette story from February, the beach – originally known as Beach 2 – and was designated for ‘colored’ families during Delaware’s Jim Crow era, was named for Johnnie Walker in 2021. Walker was known for his leadership, generosity and community spirit – and constructed a restaurant and dance hall at Beach 2, which became a gather place for social events, worship services and other celebrations.

The interpretive sign will share photos and the history of the beach and Johnnie Walker. Funding for the sign came from the City of Lewes and a grant from Delaware 250.