
Lying amidst rolling sand dunes, on a high bank overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is the Fort Miles Historical Area, home of the Fort Miles Museum. The central features of the museum include Battery 519, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park. The museum tells the story of Fort Miles, a key piece of our nation's coastal defense, from World War II through the early 1970’s.
The history of Fort Miles exemplifies America’s call to action to stem the tide of war against German invasions along the Atlantic Seaboard that, at the onset of World War II, appeared virtually unstoppable. The gun batteries of Fort Miles, secret state-of-the-art installations built within the massive sand dunes of Cape Henlopen, were designed to defend against the powerful German navy.
With more than 2,500 soldiers stationed on high alert, the heavy guns, mine fields and searchlights of Fort Miles defended the vital trade centers of Wilmington, Philadelphia, and beyond. As America moved into the cold war, the role of Fort Miles shifted to highly classified missions defending against the threat of Soviet submarine operations off our coastline.
Fort Miles is a special place for history enthusiasts, veterans, families, or anyone interested in learning about Delaware stories, Delaware heroes and Delaware’s role in WWII. Take a guided tour, enjoy an interpretive program, visit the art gallery, take in a special event, and celebrate the "greatest generation" in our nation's history.
Museum exhibits and artifacts within Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot fortified underground chamber, bring to life Delaware’s wartime stories of submarine encounters and surrender, daring actions of civilian pilots, and hometown heroes who sacrificed for our freedom. The Museum’s collection of armaments provides visitors a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how state-of-the-art technology from an earlier day was used to defend the homeland.
The grounds of the Museum are open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The Museum Orientation Building is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 3 – June 10 and Tuesday through Saturday June 13 – September 9. Public access to the museum is only available through guided tours and open houses.
This new rental venue is available for weddings, concerts, meetings, reunions and many other types of events and gatherings. The site offers the best of both natural and cultural history, with an easy transition from the outdoor pavilion to the inside area, along with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, miles of picturesque dunes, and breathtaking views, all in the heart of historic Fort Miles. For rental information, visit the Fort Miles Historical Association website.
Friday, March 24, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, March 25, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, March 25, 2023
12:00 PM
Howard S. Schroeder was stationed at Fort Miles in Lewes, Delaware during World War II, and lived much of his life in the area as a painter. John Schroeder will talk about his fathers life and art on March 26 at noon. The entrance fee includes the lecture but please RVSP at info@fortmilesmuseum.org if you plan to attend the talk. $5 fee to view the exhibit, which includes admission to the Howard Schroeder Gallery, as well as touring the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.
Sunday, March 26, 2023
1:00 PM
Howard S. Schroeder was stationed at Fort Miles in Lewes, Delaware during World War II, and lived much of his life in the area as a painter. John Schroeder will talk about his fathers life and art on March 26 at noon. The entrance fee includes the lecture but please RVSP at info@fortmilesmuseum.org if you plan to attend the talk. $5 fee to view the exhibit, which includes admission to the Howard Schroeder Gallery, as well as touring the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.
Friday, March 31, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, March 31, 2023
2:00 PM
Cape Henlopen has been invaded…by plants! Join us for a biking tour that explores how building Fort Miles led to a change in Cape Henlopen’s ecology. Please bring your own bike. Tours meet at the Orientation Building. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 1, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 1, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 1, 2023
7:30 PM
In 1943, World War II was in full swing, but it was much different than anticipated. Tour Battery 519 by lantern light as we reveal U-boats on the prowl, sailors in distress and what World War II turned out to be for soldiers stationed at Fort Miles. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $6 per person
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a park historian leads you across the sandy trail towards the Delaware Bay. See World War II relics, uncover the Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station, and hear tales of pirates. Tours meet at the Seaside Nature Center. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 7, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 7, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 8, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 8, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 14, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 14, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 15, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 15, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 15, 2023
5:00 PM
Take a ride on a historic WWII troop-carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $10 per person
Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00 AM
On May 8, 1945, the Allies declared victory in Europe in World War II. Fort Miles will celebrate the victory in our annual living history event. See firing demonstrations, learn about garrison life at Fort Miles, listen to guest speakers, hear live music and much more. The Fort Miles Museum will be open for $5 per person. For more information call 302-644-5007.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
11:00 AM
Cape Henlopen has been invaded…by plants! Join us for a biking tour that explores how building Fort Miles led to a change in Cape Henlopen’s ecology. Please bring your own bike. Tours meet at the Orientation Building. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 28, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, April 28, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 29, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, April 29, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 5, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 5, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 6, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 6, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 6, 2023
8:00 PM
In 1943, World War II was in full swing, but it was much different than anticipated. Tour Battery 519 by lantern light as we reveal U-boats on the prowl, sailors in distress and what World War II turned out to be for soldiers stationed at Fort Miles. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $6 per person
Sunday, May 7, 2023
9:00 AM
5K course within confines of Cape Henlopen State Park - runners followed by walkers. Sign up at https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67400/inaugural-fort-miles-5k-run-walk
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a park historian leads you across the sandy trail towards the Delaware Bay. See World War II relics, uncover the Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station, and hear tales of pirates. Tours meet at the Seaside Nature Center. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 12, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 12, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 13, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 13, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 13, 2023
5:00 PM
Take a ride on a historic WWII troop-carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $10 per person
Friday, May 19, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 19, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 20, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 20, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 20, 2023
8:00 PM
In 1943, World War II was in full swing, but it was much different than anticipated. Tour Battery 519 by lantern light as we reveal U-boats on the prowl, sailors in distress and what World War II turned out to be for soldiers stationed at Fort Miles. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $6 per person
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
11:00 AM
Cape Henlopen has been invaded…by plants! Join us for a biking tour that explores how building Fort Miles led to a change in Cape Henlopen’s ecology. Please bring your own bike. Tours meet at the Orientation Building. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 26, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Friday, May 26, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 27, 2023
11:00 AM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 27, 2023
2:00 PM
Construction on Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to discover what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. Tours meet at Battery 519. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $5 per person
Saturday, May 27, 2023
5:00 PM
Take a ride on a historic WWII troop-carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007. $10 per person