
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, December 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, December 9, 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
5:00 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. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
11:00 AM
Enjoy a hike through the Pinelands trail while exploring some of the farther-flung elements of Fort Miles! Tours meet at the Pinelands trailhead near Fort Miles. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, December 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, December 16, 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a historic interpreter 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. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, December 22, 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, December 23, 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, December 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, December 30, 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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, January 5, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, January 12, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
5:30 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. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a historic interpreter 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. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, January 19, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
11:00 AM
Enjoy a hike through the Pinelands trail while exploring some of the farther-flung elements of Fort Miles! Tours meet at the Pinelands trailhead near Fort Miles. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, January 26, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, February 2, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 3, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Thursday, February 8, 2024
11:00 AM
Enjoy a hike through the Pinelands trail while exploring some of the farther-flung elements of Fort Miles! Tours meet at the Pinelands trailhead near Fort Miles. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, February 9, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 10, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 10, 2024
4:30 PM
Swing back to the 1940s with this exclusive Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance, proudly presented by First State Heritage Park and the Fort Miles Museum. We invite you to dress in your best and do up your Victory Rolls to join us for a romantic time-traveling evening to 1942! Featuring a themed dinner, period music, and swing dance lessons to help you cut a rug, this will be an evening you and your partner won’t soon forget. Buy your tickets, grab that special someone, and enjoy a night away! This special event fundraiser takes place in the historic venue of Battery 519, constructed to defend Delaware’s coasts during World War II. Tickets are $90 per person, and your ticket includes your meal, musical entertainments, swing dance lessons, and a guided tour. There will be a ticketed cash bar serving throughout the evening as well.
Friday, February 16, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
6:00 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. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a historic interpreter 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. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, February 23, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, March 1, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, March 8, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 9, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 9, 2024
6:30 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. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-644-5007.
Thursday, March 14, 2024
11:00 AM
Enjoy a hike through the Pinelands trail while exploring some of the farther-flung elements of Fort Miles! Tours meet at the Pinelands trailhead near Fort Miles. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, March 15, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
11:00 AM
Bring your walking shoes as a historic interpreter 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. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. $5 per person. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program.
Friday, March 22, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Friday, March 29, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
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. Tours run every Friday and Saturday from now through March.