For over two years, representatives from the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA), Delaware State Parks (DSP) and local communities worked to create and then form a new nonprofit, Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Inc. d/b/a Fort Miles Museum. This entity received its 501(c)3 designation in June 2022 and will oversee a planned expansion of and ultimately assume management responsibility for Fort Miles Museum, located in Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware.
The Museum Board is currently focusing on fundraising for the Fort Miles Development Plan (“Plan”) to create new exhibits, build accessible restrooms, expand the Museum’s entrance and lobby area and ultimately construct a new Visitors Center. The Plan was created by Baltimore-based architectural firm GWWO and Gallagher & Associates, a world class museum design firm headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Phases I & II
The overall plan will be completed in phases. The initial phase will center around the construction of new restrooms, an expanded visitor lobby area with upgraded exhibits and the design work needed for new interactive exhibits to be placed throughout the Museum’s primary visitor areas. These Phase I projects, collectively, are estimated to cost $4 million, with construction to start in the second half of 2023.
The monies needed for Phase I will be comprised of $2.5 million included in the State of Delaware Fiscal 2024 (commenced July 2023) Bond Bill and $500,000 cash on hand, with the remaining $1 million to be funded by foundation grants and private donations.
The focus will then turn to Phase II and the production and installation of new World War II and Cold War exhibits for which additional fundraising will be required. Installation of these exhibits is expected to take place in 2024 at an estimated cost of $7 million. Once completed, the two initial phases will establish Fort Miles Museum as a major Delaware and regional visitor destination to educate and entertain thousands of families, students, veterans and historians that visit annually. The goal is to more than double the number of annual visitors by the end of calendar year 2024.
Phases III & IV
Construction of a modern Visitors Center and repurposed
flex space in the existing Orientation Building will take place during the third phase.
The final phase will see the restoration of a selection of 51 World War II barracks and other structures. Opening these buildings for public use will enable visitors and students to gain additional knowledge regarding the extensive operations that took place at Fort Miles for more than 50 years. The completion cost of all four phases is estimated to be $25 million.
The Power of $1
When Fort Miles opened in 1942, one dollar bought enough flour to bake 20 loaves of bread. In a nation at war, those bags of flour stretched far.
Today’s dollars are no less powerful. Gifts of all sizes can help grow Fort Miles Museum and enhance the legacy of the service members who guarded America’s coast.
The Power of $1
$1 does not stretch quite as far today. However, your gift of $25 or more can help. When Fort Miles opened in 1942, one dollar bought enough flour to bake 20 loaves of bread. In a nation at war, those bags of flour stretched far.
Today’s dollars are no less powerful. Gifts of all sizes can help grow Fort Miles Museum and enhance the legacy of the service members who guarded America’s coast.
