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.
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 May, “Oil Still Bleeds” will be open for viewing from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each Friday and Saturday. Beginning May 15th, the exhibit will also be open on Sundays. The exhibit can be seen free of charge.
Fort Miles Battery 519 Museum Tours
This month indoor tours of Battery 519 are offered each Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm. Tours are also offered on Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm starting May 15th.
Note: Battery 519 opens at 10:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm on both Friday and Saturday and opens at 10:00 am and closes at 3:00 pm on Sundays (starting May 15th). 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.
Reservations are not required (nor accepted) for 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.
Advance recommendations are also recommended for tours to be conducted by knowledgeable Fort Miles Historical Association docents each Sunday starting May 15th.
The fee for all tours is $5 person, payable via cash or check upon checking in for your tour at the Battery 519 front desk.
All indoor museum tours form inside Battery 519 and are for ages 7 and up with a paying adult.
More Fort Miles Related May 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
Saturday, May 14th, 8:00 pm
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.
SEASIDE HISTORY WALK
May 6th, 14th and 27th, 11:00 am
Join a Delaware State Parks’ historian to walk the sandy trails in Cape Henlopen State Park heading toward the Delaware Bay. See World War II relics, discover the Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station and hear tales of pirates who once roamed Delaware’s waterways. This tour forms at the Seaside Nature Center and is for ages 7+ with a paying adult ($5 per person).
ARTILLERY PARK WALK
May 13th and 21st, 11:00 am
Join historic interpreters for a walk through the Fort Miles Museum’s Artillery Park. Discover and become informed about the different artillery pieces that helped protect the entrance to the Delaware Bay. Tours meet at the Museum’s Orientation Building, which sits at the base of the main parking area. This tour is free and is for ages 7+ accompanied by an adult. No reservation necessary.
CAPE INVASION
May 7th, 20th and 28th, 11:00 am
Cape Henlopen has been invaded – by plants! Check out all the action on your bike. The construction of Fort Miles changed the ecology within Cape Henlopen – find out how. You must bring your own bike. Tours meet at the Orientation Building (see Artillery Park Walk above) and are for ages 10+ accompanied by an adult. $5 per person.
TRUCKIN’ THROUGH HISTORY
May 28th, 5:00 pm
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.