You Can Help
The Fort Miles Museum continues to expand its World War II exhibit offerings and community outreach initiatives to tell the stories of Delaware residents and veterans. You can be a part of the mission with your support of FMHA.
The reasons to donate to Fort Miles Historical Association are personal. Here are a few comments from our donors:
I donated to FMHA to enable them to continue to improve and expand the Fort Miles Museum. During a visit to Fort Miles, I was surprised to learn volunteers contribute over 20,000 hours of time to not only maintain and improve the Museum but also to support local events such as the Lewes Christmas Parade and the Rehoboth Beach Red, White and Blue festival of events.
I have a friend who volunteers at Fort Miles almost weekly – replacing windows, repairing roofing, cleaning, whatever needs to be done. He told me there are over 50 such active volunteers who dedicate their professional and technical skills to enable the Museum to increase the number of tours offered and to refresh and enhance the Museum’s exhibits and programs. I wanted to donate to support that cause.
I see Fort Miles as a valuable asset to Sussex County and Delaware as a whole. It is a unique Museum that tells the stories of over 2,000 soldiers and civilians who helped defend the East Coast of the United States during World War II. I think those stories are important to remember and will be remembered through this great attraction.
Donate to FMHA
A general donation will be combined with grants received from well known institutions such as Longwood Foundation, grant-in-aid support from the State of Delaware and funds directed to FMHA projects from individual Delaware legislators to expand the Museum’s exhibit offerings and community outreach initiatives.
Donations of $25 or more provide an important source of funding to FMHA and the Fort Miles Museum.
Engrave a Wall of Honor Paver
The FMHA Wall of Honor Paver Program was initiated to recognize veterans and civilians who served, and in some cases, sacrificed their lives for our country.
Over the years, many family members have purchased engraved paver stones to honor loved ones and add their stone to the Wall of Honor at the Fort Miles Museum.
During the ordering process, the purchaser personalizes the paver wording in a way that is most meaningful to them. Subsequently, each purchaser and his or her family members are invited to attend a paver induction ceremony at the Museum.
Donate a World War II Artifact
FMHA has established a collection of artifacts and WWII related memorabilia items (medals, publications, equipment) which it believes may be pieces that can enhance the Museum’s ongoing exhibits or displayed as a part of a rotating exhibit.
FMHA will consider each potential donation with the donor’s understanding that we cannot accept all of the items offered as donations.
Before moving forward with your donation, we ask that you review the Certificate of Gift form, which FMHA requires before accepting any donation. This will provide FMHA with unilateral control over your gift once an item(s) is received. While we expect your items may be displayed as part of the exhibit program at the Fort Miles Museum, we do not guarantee the item or items donated will be displayed on a permanent or rotating basis.
If you have decided to propose a donation, please email or telephone one of the FMHA Board members listed below to discuss the proposed donation. Following this contact, you would then print and complete the Certificate of Gift form, and FMHA will arrange for delivery or pick-up of your donation.
Cliff Geisler: HEATS58@gmail.com
Jim Pierce: jimpierce963@gmail.com
Support a
Specific Program or Project
In 2018, FMHA established a Junior Reserve Officer Training Class (“JROTC”) Scholarship Fund in support of Cape Henlopen High School cadets who are graduating in the current academic year and who have participated in the JROTC volunteer program at Fort Miles. Donations may be directed to support this specific program. Please email your questions to us regarding this program.
FMHA also conducts fundraising programs whose goals are varied but are typically directed toward the acquisition of a large artifact or completion of a specific Museum project. For example, in 2016, FMHA raised over $150,000 from a variety of corporate and individual sponsors to transport the 16-inch gun barrel, now known as “The Big Gun,” which is the signature piece of the Museum’s Artillery Park. Should you wish to receive an email notice when these type of programs are initiated, please email us.