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, resumed on Saturday, January 26th. These fascinating presentations featuring little known details of WWII history will continue on February 23rd and March 23rd.  The subjects for the February and March films and lectures are the following: 

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 until 2 PM. 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. Please note that tours of Battery 519 will not be conducted on these three dates. For additional information, please call 302-645-0753. 

Fort Miles Museum Construction 

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. Over the next several months, with an assist from the local weather, a glass entranceway to the new Events Venue will be installed, flooring inside the Venue will be laid and the new entrance road and parking area are expected to be completed and ready for use. 

Also, during this time period, renovations will start on the Visitor’s Orientation Center and the Aircraft Warning System (AWS) shed acquired in 2018 will be placed on its pad near the Orientation Center. Lots of activity! 

Many thanks again to the Longwood Foundation and Crystal Trust, whose generous grants helped make these projects possible. 

Save the Date: April 27, 2019 

The annual Delaware Goes to War Open House will take place this year on the last Saturday in April from 10 AM – 4 PM. This Open House celebrates the Allied forces victory in Europe, which was declared on May 8, 1945. 

The Fort Miles Museum, located inside Battery 519, will be open throughout the event and staffed by FMHA docents. A $5 admission fee is payable at the door. Uniformed historical interpreters from the 261st Coastal Artillery will be hand on throughout the Fort Miles Historical Area hosting demonstrations and displaying WWII vehicles and equipment. For WWII history buffs and our loyal members this is a must attend event. Many more details to follow. 

BATTERY 519 TOURS AND LANTERN TOURS OF FORT MILES 

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

Discover Battery 519 are scheduled as follows: 

  • 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 
  • March:  Each Friday (3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22 and 3/29) at 11 AM and 2 PM; Saturday 3/2, 3/9, 3/16 and 3/30 at 11 AM and 2 PM 

Lantern Tours of Fort Miles are scheduled as follows: 

  • February: Saturday, February 16th at 5:30 PM 
  • March:  Saturday, March 16th at 6:30 PM 

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

All 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 required. Please call 302-644-5007. The fee for all tours is $5 per person. 

Other 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 Guide at the Park office or visit www.destateparks.com/Cape.