The annual Delaware Defense Day will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Fort Miles Museum and the surrounding historical area will be open from 10 AM – 4 PM. 

In addition to fee-based self-guided tours of the entire museum with knowledgeable docents on hand, you may also see the one-of-a-kind, fee free, USS Arizona “Oil Still Bleeds” exhibit inside Battery 519.


Delaware Defense Day – Schedule of Events and Event Information 

  • 9:00 AM: (Pre-Event) Flag Raising Ceremony – Historical Area 
  • 10:00 AM: Fort Miles Museum (inside Battery 519) opens for self-guided tours ($5 per person by CASH  or CHECK only). Those wishing to see only the USS Arizona “Oil Still Bleeds” exhibit may view it fee-free. 
  • 10:30 AM: Off the Hook Restaurant Group opens the Mess Hall for food and beverage purchases 
  • 11:00 AM: 3-inch black powder Artillery Firing Demonstration 
  • 1:00 PM: Small Arms Demonstration 
  • 2:00 PM: Artillery Firing Demonstration 
  • 3:15 PM: Rehoboth Beach Concert Band (Orientation Building) 
  • 4:00 PM: Event and Concert End 

More to SEE and DO: 

  • Talk with World War II Re-enactors and see their vehicles and equipment. A  M-18 Hellcat tank destroyer will be onsite for the first time! 
  • Attend a free lecture inside Battery 519 describing the events leading up to the 1945 surrender of a German U-Boat at Fort Miles (time to be determined) 
  • Relax and enjoy the World War II Tunes (Orientation Building; 10 am – 3 pm) 
  • Talk with knowledgeable Fort Miles Historical Association docents and learn about exciting future plans for Fort Miles, membership options and volunteer opportunities 
  • Visit the Museum Gift Shop inside Battery 519 (open 10 am – 4 pm) 
  • Visit the Museum Art Gallery and participate in a silent art auction (10 am – 2 pm); see handmade models of WWII ships and aircraft, as well as a German U-Boat 
  • See the works of Howard Schroeder, painted while he was stationed at Fort Miles (Howard Schroeder Gallery inside Battery 519; open 12 – 2 pm) 
  • Meet representatives from Delaware Emergency Management, Delaware Police Museum and Air Mobility Command Museum (Historical Area) 

Parking and Transportation:
Upon paying the fee to enter Cape Henlopen State Park, follow the entrance road to the left and turn left. Signs will direct you to the Main Beach parking area. Once parked, hop on a shuttle bus to be transported to the Historical Area. 

Handicap parking is available. Upon entering the Park, follow the entrance road to to the left and turn right at the t-intersection. Signage will direct you from there.