The FMHA “Museum Happenings” is published monthly to keep you up-to-date on Happenings at the Fort Miles Museum. .  This blog focuses on a Special Event that takes place during the first full week of DECEMBER.  This blog will be updated monthly (or more frequently, as needed). NOTE: Updates often appear as highlighted boxes or banners on the Home Page.

Special Event: World War I Mobile Museum at Battery 519 – December 3rd-8th 

FMHA Art Show & Sale and Museum Gift Shop Sale – Daily 

Marking the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I and opening on December 3rd in Battery 519 at the Fort Miles Museum will be a traveling exhibition entitled “WWI Mobile Museum.” This is the second time the exhibition has visited Fort Miles with the help of a grant from Delaware Humanities Forum, a state program affiliated with the National Endowment For The Humanities. 

The exhibition tells the story of World War I and features artifacts from the period, both military and civilian. During the week the exhibition is open, all visitors can view the exhibition free of charge thanks to the grant provided by the Delaware Humanities Forum. 

During this week, from 10am – 3pm daily, Fort Miles Historical Association will hold an Art Show and Sale featuring prints and sketches produced by both local and amateur Delaware artists. Many of the prints available for purchase will be discounted during this event. During these daily hours all merchandise in the Fort Miles Museum Gift Shop will be discounted by 20% for the holidays. 

To learn more about the exhibition visit www.ww1mobilemuseum.com. To check on the daily opening and closing times for the exhibition, as well as for the complete list of special guest presentations that will take place during the week, please visit the Delaware State Parks website, www.DEStateParks.com or call 302-644-5007. A preliminary listing of just some of the events that will take place during the week follows. 

Guest Speakers will include: 

  • John McCarthy: “Before the War: the Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station” (Thursday 12/6 at 4pm) 
  • Tyler Dreiblatt: “the 59th Pioneers” (Friday 12/7 at 11:30am) 
  • William Manthorpe, U.S. Navy Capt. (retired): “Navy at Cape in WWI” (Friday 12/7) (time TBA) 
  • Terry McGovern from the Costal Defense Study Group (Saturday 12/8 at 11:30am) 
  • William Manthorpe, U.S. Navy Capt. (retired): “The USS Delaware in WWI” (Saturday 12/8 at 1pm) 
  • A guest speaker from the Ebony Doughboys will also be on hand Saturday 12/8 (time TBA) 

In conjunction with the exhibition, visitors may also tour Battery 519 at a cost of $5 per person. These tours will originate at Battery 519 operating on the following schedule: 

  • Monday, 12/3 and Wednesday, 12/5:  1PM 
  • Thursday, 12/6; Friday, 12/7 and Saturday, 12/8:  11AM and 2PM 
  • Tours will not be available on Tuesday, 12/4. 

Fort Miles History 

On September 13th, Dr. Gary Wray spoke at the Lewes Chautauqua. Read Dr. Wray’s talk, “Railroads and Fort Miles”. 

Construction Progress – Fort Miles Museum 

Great progress has been made to construct a new Events Venue at Battery 519 and 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 Busters” 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. 

In addition to the tours noted above that will be offered during the World War I exhibition, during December and January, 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: 

  • December: Fridays at 11 AM and 2 PM through December 14th; Saturdays,  at 11 AM and 2 PM through December 15th 
  • January: Each Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM and Saturdays at 11 AM and 2 PM through January 19th 

On December 7th and 8th, these tours form inside Battery 519. All other 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. 

Battery 519 Lantern Tours are scheduled as follows: 

  • December:  Saturday, December 15th at 4:30 PM 
  • January:  Saturday, January 19th at 5 PM 

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

COMING SOON!  FMHA FILM AND LECTURE SERIES RETURNS 

As the major construction projects noted above wind down and needed water line repairs are completed at Cape Henlopen State Park, dates for the continuation of the well-received FMHA Film and Lecture Series will be announced. We look forward to presenting new World War II subject material to include Three Wars of the Battleship Missouri, Patton and the Desperate Tank Attack and Battlegroup Spruance. 

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.delawarestateparks.com.