The FMHA “Museum Happenings” is published monthly to keep you up-to-date on Happenings at the Fort Miles Museum. This blog will be updated monthly (or more frequently, as needed). 

Film and Lecture Series Resumes 

The FMHA film and lecture series, which was initiated in 2017, will resume this winter on Saturday, January 26th. These fascinating presentations, featuring little know details of WWII history, will continue on February 23rd and March 23rd. The subjects of this season’s film and lectures are the following: 

January 26, 2019:  “Three Wars of the Battleship Missouri”

Launched in 1944, the Missouri was the last US battleship ever built and the last to serve. Today the Missouri is at Pearl Harbor. However, visitors to the Fort Miles Museum and Artillery Park can view the original barrel of the Missouri’s turret one, which is displayed in the Museum’s Artillery Park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is her story from World War II to the First Gulf War. 

February 23, 2019: “Patton and the Desperate Tank Attack” 

General George Patton was one of the US Army’s most outspoken and controversial leaders of WWII. Although his behavior often got him into hot water, Patton’s brash and daring nature was also central to many military successes. See and hear his story on February 23rd. 

March 23, 2019: “Battlegroup Spruance” 

Raymond Spruance was one of the little known but important U S Navy admirals who led the advance across the Pacific Ocean to defeat Japan in WWII. The huge battlegroup under Admiral Spruance’s command was key in defeating the Imperial Japanese Navy and storming the islands in the Pacific, which led to the overwhelming attacks on the Japanese homeland. This is his story. 

Venue and Time 

These events start at 11:15 AM in the Battery 519 Media Room. Occupancy regulations limit seating to the first 60 arrivals, so please plan accordingly. Museum doors will open at 10 AM and those wishing to attend the film/lecture may pick-up free tickets at the Museum Gift Shop just inside the main entrance. While waiting for the event to get underway, visitors can do some shopping at the Museum’s Gift Shop featuring an array of one-of-a-kind gifts. The Battery 519 Visiting Artists Gallery will also be open. A variety of sketches and prints by local artists as well as two original paintings by noted aircraft artist Paul Rendel will be available for purchase. For information, call 302-645-0753. 

Construction Progress – Fort Miles Museum 

Great progress has been made to construct a new Events Venue at Battery 519 along with a new visitor’s entrance road and parking area. Both projects are on schedule to be completed during the first quarter of 2019. Many thanks again to the Longwood Foundation and Crystal Trust, whose generous grants made these projects possible. 

Our website Home Page features a slide show regarding these construction projects. The work on these projects reflects the combined effort of local contractors, Delaware State Parks’ personnel and, last but certainly not least, the Fort Miles Historical Association’s team of “Bunker Buster” volunteers. Thanks to all for their hard work and skilled attention to project detail. Thanks too to Mark Chura, FMHA Executive Director and Construction Manager. 

Visitors wishing to see Battery 519 can do so by joining other scheduled tours conducted by Delaware State Parks’ interpretative guides. These tours are scheduled as shown below. 

BATTERY 519 TOURS AND LANTERN TOURS OF FORT MILES – DELAWARE STATE PARKS 

Discover Battery 519 are scheduled as follows: 

  • January:  Each Friday (1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25) at 11 AM and 2 PM; Saturday 1/5, 1/12 and 1/19 at 11 AM and 2 PM 
  • February:  Each Friday (2/1, 2/8,2/15, 2/22) at 11 AM and 2 PM; Saturday 2/2, 2/9 and 2/16 at 11 AM and 2 PM 

Tours form at the Fort Miles Museum Orientation Building. Tours are limited to 30 visitors and are for ages 7 or older. Advance registration is available by calling 302-644-5007. $5 per person. 

Lantern Tours of Fort Miles are scheduled as follows: 

  • January: Saturday, January 19th at 5 PM 
  • February: Saturday, February 16th at 5:30 PM 

Lantern Tours are for ages 10 and older. Pre-registration is required – call 302-644-5007. Limit 30, $5 per person. 

January 1st – Fort Miles and Cape Henlopen History Walk 

March into 2019 at 2 PM on January 1st by joining a Delaware State Parks’ guide for a walk on the Pinelands Trail. Dress warmly! This walk is for adults and children ages 7 and older. 

Pre-registration is encouraged by telephoning 302-644-5007. Meet at the Fort Miles Orientation Building. 

Winter Events and Programs at Cape Henlopen State Park 

There are many daytime and even a few evening events offered at Cape Henlopen State Park this winter. To explore these nature oriented hiking and educational programs, pick-up a Delaware State Parks 2018-2019 Winter Guide at the Park office or visit www.destateparks.com/Cape.