PLEASE JOIN US in observing America250 this year. HBF eNews subscribers are the first to learn about single author events and to get first-dibs on keynote and closing tickets. Sign up HERE.

  • Sunday, March 8: The Chosen and the Damned: Native Americans and the Making of Race in the United States by David J. Silverman. Produced in collaboration with the Lewes Public Library & Browseabout Books. In Person & Online - register HERE.

  • Sunday, April 12: Darkology: Blackface and the American Way of Entertainment by Rhae Lynn Barnes. Produced in collaboration with the Lewes Public Library & Browseabout Books. In Person & Online - register HERE.

  • Did you know? The Lewes community has organized a series of events in observance of America 250. Visit Lewes250.com to learn more and view the full calendar.

The History Book Festival is the only book festival dedicated to history through story, showcasing new historical fiction and creative, narrative nonfiction from multiple subjects, eras, and voices. Over 90% of HBF’s author presentations are free and open to all, drawing readers from 30 states and abroad to this singular event at the Delaware beaches in historic Lewes, dubbed “the first town in the first state.”

HBF authors also visit classrooms in Delaware, from preschool to college. HBF provides their books to schools, libraries, and community organizations, engaging and inspiring people of all ages to read, think, and talk about history.

As one of our 2023 authors, Zhuqing Li, described the event:

“You’ve so beautifully showcased that learning is indeed a celebration and gathering to learn from each other should be a festival...I engaged with individuals I might not otherwise have met. What a way to learn from each other and make sense of the world around us. It was an embrace of knowledge and humanity. If more people emulated this form of interaction—seeking understanding, compassion, and shared wisdom from collective human experiences—the world would indeed be a better place.”

Come “find your place in history” with us at the History Book Festival, celebrating a weekend and beyond of learning, inspiration, and community. We can’t wait to share next year’s stories with you!

Want to support our mission to build historical literacy for all - while having fun?! Every single gift, regardless of size, has an impact, whether on producing the next festival or growing our work with schools and other community organizations. Individuals can learn more HERE, and we invite companies and foundations to reaching out via our CONTACT form to learn more about funding partnerships and priorities.

Key Dates for 2026:

  • HBF will be hosting a series of stand-alone events in observation of America250.

  • HBF eNews subscribers get early access to 2026 Keynote and Closing Event tickets in late June, along with a first look at the other 2026 books/authors.

  • Keynote & Closing Events will be announced to the general public in early July, if tickets remain.

  • The schedule of Saturday’s free author presentations will be available in late July/early August.

  • HBF eNews re. volunteer sign-ups will arrive in mid-August.

  • HBF’s 2026 program booklet will arrive in mailboxes of Cape Gazette subscribers in mid-September.