THE FMHA “Museum Happenings” is published monthly to keep you up-to-date on Happenings at the Fort Miles Museum. This blog focuses on APRIL AND MAY and, as noted, the blog will be updated monthly (or more frequently, as needed) thereafter. The blog will also include information about other scheduled events at Cape Henlopen State Park.

NOTE: Quick updates often appear as highlighted boxes or banners on the Home Page.

Fort Miles Historical Association Film/Lecture Events April and May

AND Annual Delaware Goes to War Open House

April 28th, 10AM – 4PM

FILM/LECTURE SERIES EVENTS

Saturday, April 28th, 1PM: American Battle Monuments Commission (“ABMC”)
Thousands of American soldiers killed during World Wars I and II are buried in overseas cemeteries close to where they fell. ABMC, as guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and monuments, is dedicated to honoring the service, achievements and sacrifice of soldiers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more about these cemeteries and monuments and the role played by the American Battle Monuments Commission to honor our war dead and administer a data base of more than 218,000 individuals buried or memorialized at ABMC sites. A senior representative from ABMC is expected to be on hand for this presentation.

Saturday, May 26th, 11:15AM: Operation Overlord
As the code name for the Battle of Normandy, Operation Overlord was launched on D-Day, June 6 1944, and concluded on August 30th when German troops defending Normandy retreated across the Seine. Learn about the planning, battles and innovative engineering that resulted in the success of Operation Overlord and the ultimate liberation of Paris.

On May 26th, the Museum doors will open at 10:15AM to allow time for those wishing to attend the film/lecture (start time 11:15AM) to receive admission stickers by visiting the Museum Gift Shop. Seating is limited to the first 60 visitors and admission will be on a first come, first serve basis.

All Film/Lecture Series events are free to the public. These presentations will be held in the Media Room, Battery 519, Fort Miles Museum. Enter Battery 519 through the Fort Miles Museum Artillery Park. Seating is limited – no advance reservations. For additional information call 302-645-0753.

TOURS OF BATTERY 519 will be available on April 28th (10AM – 4PM) and Sunday, May 27th. Battery 519 will open on April 28th at 10AM for visitor self-guided tours and at 11AM on Sunday, May 27th for guided tours with knowledgeable FMHA docents. The tour admission price is $5 for adults and children over 7. A $15 family rate is available.

See below for additional Battery 519 tours offered by Delaware State Parks’ interpretative guides.

DELAWARE GOES TO WAR OPEN HOUSE

The April 28th American Battle Monuments Commission (“ABMC”) presentation will be one of many events offered at the annual Fort Miles Open House, Delaware Goes to War. Admission stickers for the ABMC presentation (start time of 1PM) will be available starting at 10AM at the Museum entrance to Battery 519.

The Delaware Goes to War Open House starts at 10AM and features World War II re-enactors, events throughout the Fort Miles Historical Area every 30 minutes and a Sketching Contest for artists added as a new event for 2018. Go to www.fortmilesha.org/sketching to see details for the Sketching Contest.

Delaware Goes to War celebrates the World War II Allied Victory in Europe declared on May 8 1945. This living history event features WWII re-enactors from the 261st Coast Artillery and other units, an artillery firing demonstration, an opportunity to learn about garrison life at Fort Miles, guest speakers and music and a re-enactment of the surrender of German U-Boat 858. Events scheduled every 30 minutes with the Fort Miles Mess Hall open for lunch and snacks throughout the day. Open House hours, 10AM-4PM. Standard Cape Henlopen State Park admission fees apply.

SAVE THE DATES: Starting Sunday, June 3rd and running each Sunday through August 26th, FMHA docents will conduct tours of Battery 519 and the Museum’s Artillery Park. These tours will originate in the Fort Miles Historical Area Orientation Building. Check back here for tour start times on these Sundays.

DISCOVER BATTERY 519:

FRIDAY’S IN APRIL – 6th, 13th and 20th, 11AM and 2PM
SATURDAY’S IN APRIL – 14th and 21st,  11AM & 2PM
FRIDAY’S IN MAY – 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 11AM and 2PM
SATURDAY’S IN MAY – 12th, 19th and  26th, 11AM & 2PM 

Discovery Battery 519 guided tours of the Artillery Park and Battery 519 are led by Delaware State Parks’ interpretative guides. These tours form at the Fort Miles Historical Area Orientation Building. Call 302-644-5007 for required advance reservations and tour information.

Battery 519 Lantern Tours: For a night time view of Battery 519, sign-up for a Lantern Tour offered by Delaware State Parks interpretative guides. Lantern Tours will be conducted on Saturday, Saturday, April 21st at 7:30PM. and Saturday May 26th at 8:00PM. Reservations required. Please call Delaware State Parks at 302-644-5007.

Cold War Bike Tour: Ride along with a park historian to see the Cold War relics in Cape Henlopen State Park. Hear tales of Doomsday ships, spies, Soviet submarine tracking and more.

Please bring your own bike. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Tour limit is 20 riders. Please call 302-644-5007 to pre-register. This tour is offered on Saturday, May 5th at 10:30AM.

OTHER EVENTS AND PROGRAMS offered in April and May at Cape Henlopen State Park:

  • Feeding Frenzy, Saturdays, April 7th – May 26th, 2PM
  • Spring Migration Bird Hikes, Tuesday’s, April 3rd – May 15th, 8AM
  • Egg-Case Hunt!, Wednesday, April 4th, 11AM
  • Down to Earth Hike, Saturday, April 21st, 11AM
  • Osprey’s Return, Saturday, May 12th, 11AM
  • Campfire Program: Night Sights – Saturday, May 26th, 7:30PM

To learn more about the programs listed above, including age restrictions and certain pre-registration requirements, and for information on other Cape Henlopen State Park programs visit the Delaware State Parks website (destateparks.com) or call 302-645-6852. The full 2018 Spring Program Guide is now available at the Park Office.