The FMHA “Museum Happenings” is published monthly and more frequently as needed to keep you up-to-date on events at the Fort Miles Museum.

D-Day Memorial and Open House
Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m.

On Sunday, June 5, FMHA will present a one-hour program at 11 a.m. to salute the Delaware veterans that perished during the D-Day invasion of Europe.

Featured will be a talk by Rev. Carol Flett entitled “Finding Faith on the Battlefield.” Rev. Flett will also present a magnificently preserved communion set that was in the possession of by Army Chaplain Captain Morris F. Arnold when he landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1945.

Following Rev. Flett’s talk, the names of Delawareans who were killed in action at Normandy Beach will be read with each name followed by the tolling of a bell.

Upon completion of the program, guests will be invited to tour the museum, which will be staffed by FMHA docents. Please join us for this special D-Day program.

Oil Still Bleeds

OIL STILL BLEEDS is a tribute to Delaware’s forgotten servicemen who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The exhibit is designed around a 650-pound relic from the Battleship USS ARIZONA, which was sunk during the attack and still bleeds oil to the lagoon surface. The exhibit also features two large interactive touch screens to engage and educate visitors about the Pearl Harbor attack and the sinking of the Arizona.

This exhibit and the 16-inch artillery barrel outside the main entrance combine to present the bookends of WWII. Oil Still Bleeds represents the beginning of the war. The surrender ceremony ending the war took place under the 16-inch barrel. This is one of the few sites where visitors can visualize the beginning and end of World War II.

In June, “Oil Still Bleeds” will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, except the exhibit will be closed on June 11 and 12. The exhibit can also be viewed from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each Sunday, except June 5 when it will be open 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. The exhibit can be seen free of charge.

Fort Miles Battery 519 Museum Tours

This month, except on June 10 and 11, indoor tours of Battery 519 are offered each Friday at 11 a.m. and each Saturday at 2 p.m., as well as 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Note:  Battery 519 opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, except Battery 519 will be closed on June 10 and June 11. Battery 519 opens at 10am and closes at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, except Sunday June 5 when opening hours will be from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.  For those not wishing to join a guided tour, limited access to Museum exhibits is available, as well as access to the free “Oil Still Bleeds” exhibit.

Advance reservations are recommended for all tours conducted by Delaware State Parks on Friday and Saturday. Visit destateparks.com/programs and click on Fort Miles Historical Area under Choose A Park. For “day of” reservations only, call 302-644-5007.

 

More Fort Miles Related June Tours

Except as noted, advance reservations are recommended for the programs and tours below. Advance reservations can be made at destateparks.com/programs. For “day of” reservations only or other information, telephone 302-644-5007.

FORT MILES LANTERN TOUR
Wednesday, June 22 and June 29, 8:30 p.m.

Tour Battery 519 by lantern light as your State Parks’ guide reveals U-Boats on the prowl, sailors in distress and insights into a soldier’s life at Fort Miles during World War II. Tours meet at the Fort Miles Orientation Building. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. $6 per person.


ARTILLERY DEMONSTRATION
Thursday, June 23 and 30, 12:30 p.m.

Join a Delaware State Parks’ interpreter to learn the basics of loading and firing an artillery piece. Meet at the Orientation Building. These two programs are free with no advance reservation needed.


TRUCKIN’ THROUGH HISTORY
Saturday, June 25, 5 p.m.

Take a ride on an historic World War II troop carrying truck as you tour the park to see some of the lesser known remnants of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center. For ages 7 and up accompanied by an adult. $8 per person.

 

 

Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park’s amazing beaches are now open open! For information on programs and activities offered at the Park, visit www.destateparks.com/Cape.