A new and regular feature on the FMHA website will be a periodic update on the activities and accomplishments of a large group of FMHA volunteers affectionately known as the “Bunker Busters.”
These skilled volunteers assemble each Thursday at their workshop inside Battery Smith at Fort Miles. The mission of the Bunker Busters is to restore, refurbish and maintain the many buildings, bunkers and artifacts that comprise the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area. The size of Fort Miles and the many structures that remain intact since the early 1940s makes the list of projects almost endless.
This dedicated team consists of metal workers, electricians, wood workers and carpenters, along with those who paint and maintain buildings and exhibits. Let’s take a look at some recent photos of these guys at work:
The Bunker Busters are restoring this World War II Aircraft Warning Service Shed to its appearance as it existed in 1942 on Hoopers Island, Maryland. Hundreds of these sheds dotted the Atlantic coast-line during World War II. This shed was donated to FMHA by the Simmons’ family.
Recently this building was re-discovered by the Bunker Busters. Located in Cape Henlopen State Park, its purpose during World war II will be determined along with plotting rooms, artillery shell bunkers and other buildings that were part of Fort Miles. Once determined, this structure can be added to the definitive locations of the many structures that constitute the Fort Miles Historical Area.
As the photo below demonstrates, the Bunker Busters have fun as well as accomplish many important projects!
The projects and restoration work completed, not to mention the supplies needed just to maintain two artillery bunkers and the barracks at Fort Miles, cannot continue without ongoing donations from our visitors. However, donations need a place to reside. A Bunker Buster not only fabricated these donation towers but also designed and engineered them. Please salute him and our hard working Bunker Busters by dropping in your contribution during your next visit!
