The yearly lecture series is a growing tradition for the Fort Miles Museum. Fort Miles Historical Association Historian Ed Paterline calls it a way to keep history buffs engaged during the winter months during the museum's reduced hours
Paterline says this year’s lectures focus on topics involving the Fort’s role following World War 2.
“Fort Miles was a fort in World War 2 for a period of around five years. But, it actually has a 50-year history. Its role post war is arguably more important than its role during World War 2.” he said.
The lectures this calendar year showcase the fort's role as a surveillance system during the Cold War period, where it was a key defense placement against potential Soviet missiles.
Some of the fort's roles are lesser known, such as its use as a tracking station for Russian submarines. Paterline says that’s because the operations and technology used for those purposes were top secret until recently.
Paterline says some of what visitors can learn during these lectures is also evident in the museum and surrounding Cape Henlopen State Park.
“If you go to Hawk’s Watch in Cape Henlopen State Park, that was actually a World War Two six-inch battery of two guns. So, if you know what you’re looking at, you can see pieces of history in the park .” he said.
Paterline also has his own lecture on the Berlin Airlift, something he says is personal to him due to his father’s service as a pilot in the operation.
All lectures in the five-part series begin at 10am. The first - “Post War Continental Defense and Early Warning Radar” - is being given by George Washington University professor Chris Bright on October 18th.
All lectures are free, but the Museum encourages guests to register before attending in the interests of limited space.
