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 Concludes Winter Season 

The FMHA film and lecture series, which was initiated in 2017, resumed on Saturday, January 26th. The final event of the 2019 winter season, which continues the series theme of featuring little know details of WWII history will take place on March 23rd. The subject for the March film and lecture is: 

March 23, 2019 – 11:15 am: “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 

This event starts 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 upon arrival 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 March 23rd. 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! 

Calling All Runners and Walkers 

On April 7th the 2nd Annual BIG GUN RUN will start at the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area and conclude at the Big Oyster Brewery on Kings Highway. Walkers and runners of all ages may participate and also enjoy a race end bash held at the Brewery. Details and entry forms are available at www.races2run.com. 

Thanks to Big Oyster Brewery and Fins Hospitality Group a portion of the race proceeds will be donated to FMHA! 

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. 

Just announced:  In conjunction with “Delaware Goes to War,” the 2ND ANNUAL FMHA SKETCHING EVENT AND CONTEST will offer artists opportunities to sketch historical interpreters in period uniforms, as well as WWII vehicles and equipment. Full details will be announced in early March. 

BATTERY 519 TOURS AND LANTERN TOURS OF FORT MILES + TRUCKIN’ THROUGH HISTORY AND ARTILLERY PARK WALK 

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 Tours are scheduled as follows: 

  • 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 
  • April: Each Friday (4/5, 4/12 and 4/19) at 11AM and 2PM; Saturday (4/13) at 11 AM and 2 PM and Saturday (4/20) at 11 AM only. 

Lantern Tours of Fort Miles are scheduled as follows: 

  • March:  Saturday, March 16th at 6:30 PM 
  • April: Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 PM 

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

Truckin’ Through History 

Saturdays, 4/6 and 4/20 at 2 PM 

Take a ride on a historic WWII troop carrying truck and see some of the lesser known areas that comprised Fort Miles. Tickets are required and may be purchased the morning of the ride at the Fort Miles Orientation Building. Tours depart from the Biden Center. These rides are for age 7 and older, with an adult required to accompany each group. Groups are limited to 4 tickets. There is a maximum of 12 riders per trip. $8 per ticket – first come, first serve. 

Artillery Park Walk 

Saturday, 4/13 at 10:30 AM 

Many types of artillery pieces were placed throughout Fort Miles to protect the Delaware Bay. A historic interpreter will walk up to 20 persons through the outdoor Artillery Park and explain the purpose of each weapon. This walk is for ages 7 and older accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is available by calling 302-644-5007. Meet at the Fort Miles Orientation Building. Free. 

These 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 tour fee is $5 per person. 

Other Events and Programs at Cape Henlopen State Park 

April 6th: Time Travelers Basic Archaeology Workshop. Go to www.destateparks.com/Capefor details. 

April 7th: 2nd Annual Big Gun Run sponsored by the Big Oyster Brewery and Fins Hospitality Group. Go to www.races2run.comfor details. 

April 19th:  51st Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival.  Go to www.destateparks.com/Capefor details. 

There are many other daytime and even a few evening events offered at Cape Henlopen State Park this winter and early spring.  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.