Artillery training at Fort Miles, c. 1941. © The Lewes Historical Society.

When the big guns-six-, eight-, twelve-inchers-began arriving at Cape Henlopen State Park several months ago, people began asking questions. Where did they come from? Were they the ones that originally protected the Delaware Bay at Fort Miles? How and when were they going to be restored and used? On Friday, March 19, folks attending the Lewes Historical Society's monthly meeting will find out. Lee Jennings, Delaware state park historian, will present "The History of Fort Miles and Its Big Guns." The meeting at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall on Mulberry Street, between Second and Third Streets, Lewes, begins at 7:30 p.m.

Jennings, has been delving into the history of the World War II fort for more than eight years. "Trying to uncover military history presents challenges that one doesn't encounter when researching 'ordinary' history," he says. "For example, we've been unable to locate plans for some of the military buildings. Even more challenging has been getting our hands on the service manuals for a 12-inch gun, circa 1909, which came from the battleship U.S.S. Missouri. The manual is still listed as 'classified'."

Despite these challenges, the military history and museum phase of the park is moving forward. Jennings says he is optimistic about the focus of the effort because it will be on Lewes and the Delaware home front. "The museum will be a great family attraction, " he explains, "We're especially excited about restoring the underwater listening station. I'm sure kids will be attracted to this 1940s high-tech device that is being restored to its original World War II specifications."

Jennings will use photos of the Fort Miles facilities and armament to frame the state's plans for the museum and how the living history aspect of the site will provide park goers an opportunity to experience some of the elements of the past. He says enthusiastically, "history is not a closed loop and even after we establish the museum we will continue to find that many new and interesting things will come to light."

Lee Jennings joined Delaware State Parks in 1993. He spent his first seven years on Fort Delaware state park that resulted in a complete transition of the old fort. Living history programs, historic furnishings, together with a broad spectrum of special events doubled attendance. During his Fort Delaware tenure, Jennings acted as public history consultant for the Division of Parks and Recreation. Jennings was promoted to state-wide historian in 1999. Programs designed by Jennings and his staff have earned two Governor's Tourism Awards. He holds a master's degree in US history.

The meeting is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served following the meeting. The Lewes Historical Society is a non-profit membership-based organization that was founded in 1962 to preserve and share Lewes's rich heritage. For more information please call 302-645-7670.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society