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DAR Headquarters, including the DAR Museum and DAR Library, will be closed to the public on Saturday, June 13 
due to street closures and access restrictions connected with an area event. Additionally, street traffic and parking 
in the area will be significantly restricted in the days leading up to and following the weekend events.

Historic Site

The Thomas Maull House

The Thomas Maull House - Quick Facts
HSP Category Building
Period 1730-1740
HSP Style Dutch outside and English
Builder Samuel Paynter
Construction Wood and shingles
No. Stories 2
Original Use Private residence
Present Use Chapter meeting house

Historical Significance:

The Thomas Maull House is one of the oldest houses in Lewes. It was built around 1739. In the foundation can be seen ballast stones brought to this new country in the hold of ships. Samuel Paynter, a carpenter, built the house and in 1741 sold it to Luke Shields, Sr., a Delaware Bay and River Pilot. This was known as Pilottowan because so many river pilots lived here. John Maull lived next door and died in 1753. Luke Shields married his widow and the Maull children grew up here. Maull ownership did not occur until 1836 when the grandson of John Maull, Thomas S. Maull, took possession. From 1836 to 1959 Maulls occupied this house.

Acknowledgements: The Thomas Maull House is owned, operated, and maintained by the Colonel David Hall Chapter, NSDAR.
Form Submitted By: The Colonel David Hall Chapter 01/18/2013

Designations:

  • National Register of Historical Places
  • State Historical Commission
  • City Landmark

Historic Marker:

  • Marker Organization: Delaware Public Archives
  • Marker Date: 2002
  • Marker Text: This house is believed to have been built by Samuel Paynter, a carpenter who purchased this property in 1737. Following its completion, the house and surrounding land was sold in 1741 to Luke Shields, a prominent bay and river pilot. The close proximity of the bay and safe harbor of nearby Lewes Creek made this a prime location for those who practiced the competitive piloting profession. This section of Lewes, then some distance from the village, was known as Pilot Town, reflecting the occupation of its residents. The property was purchased by Thomas S. Maull in 1836. The house was expanded with the addition of the present rear wing circa 1890, and it remained in the possession of the Maull family until 1957. It was obtained by the Colonel David Hall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in 1962. The Maull House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Funded By:

This house is funded by the Lydia Chidster DuPont Fund and the Chapter fundraising efforts.

Information for the Visitors:

What you need to know if interested in visiting this destination:

  • Condition of Property: Preserve
  • Open to the Public? Yes
  • Public Fee: Free
  • Public Hours: On request and at Christmas time.
  • Is it Family Friendly? Yes
  • Lodging? No
  • Brochure available? Yes

Select a State to Explore our Historic Properties

Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.

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