Delaware State Parks Historian Lee Jennings stands by 8-inch gun recently acquired from the a military inventory. Jennings and Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association, will present "Inside the Batteries at Fort Miles" at the Friday, April 20 program of the Lewes Historical Society at the Lewes Presbyterian Church fellowship Hall Kings Highway and Franklin Street/ The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

Lewes, Del. -- An artillery "crop" of big six-, eight-, and twelve-inch guns has been flourishing at Cape Henlopen State Park for the past few years. This "heavy metal" group has come to represent the many examples of armament once positioned at the ready during World War II at Cape Henlopen, then more familiarly known as Fort Miles. Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA) and Lee Jennings, Delaware state park historian,, will present a video update of the progress that the FMHA has made, how the guns fit the historical vision for the fort and plans for the museum with their presentation "Inside the Batteries at Fort Miles" at the Friday, April 20 program of The Lewes Historical Society. The presentation at Lewes Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, Kings Highway and Franklin Street begins at 7:30 p.m.

Gary Wray, a longtime military historian and retired teacher, has been hard at work to make Fort Miles the crown jewel in the State's park system. The FMHA with Wray's leadership, has succeeded in acquiring funds to bring in large artillery, has gotten needed support for renovation work and forged plans to create a World War II military museum in the coastal batteries. "When the four of us (he, Jennings, David Main and Bob Frederick) initiated the Fort Miles Project to save the towers we never envisioned that there would be such great support for the historical preservation of all that was once a virtual military city," Wray said. "We certainly wanted to get involved with establishing a museum and acquiring the artillery pieces you see at the cantonment (military camp) at the great dune by Battery 519, but despite this support we didn't know how difficult it would be to get all that we wanted and needed to make it a reality, make it come alive."

Wray explained that the team had to research some classified elements of the Fort to acquire the guns and key information regarding the fort itself. "Once we established the FMHA as a bona-fide historical organization things started to happen." said Lee Jennings. "We not only gained credibility with the U.S. military but our senators and representatives in Dover recognized the significance of this project and provided substantial support that enabled us to move ahead with several projects."

Wray gives much credit to FMHA membership of more than 350. "This organization is a perfect model of what a 'friends' group ought to be," he said referring to how hard board and association members have been working to make the project a reality.

The presentation will provide inside views of the batteries as well as images of the many restored and soon-to-be-restored guns. Jennings said that as a bonus he will show a short film of the capture of German Submarine U-858 at Fort Miles in 1945 and he will unveil plans to open to the public Tower 3 in Dewey Beach.

Everyone is cordially invited to attend this free program. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

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