June 9, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 259

Media Contact Information: Laura Lee, Fort Delaware State Park, 302-834-7941; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, or necia.beck@state.de.us

Fort Delaware State Park Expands
Living History Program with P.O.W. Weekend

DELAWARE CITY - On Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, the staff at Fort Delaware State Park presents "P.O.W. Weekend." In this new program, visiting living history groups partner with Fort Delaware staff to recreate the fort’s bustling community of 1864. “Fresh Fish” (new prisoners) are brought to the Civil War fortress on Pea Patch Island, and visitors crossing the moat that surrounds the fort may be stopped and questioned by costumed guards. 

During the Civil War, Fort Delaware housed thousands of Confederate prisoners-of-war. The fort’s first-person living history presentations are based on actual historical research of the real people who lived and worked on the island. Programs present the daily lives of Union soldiers, Confederate prisoners and civilians. "P.O.W. Weekend" will be repeated on July 11 and 12, and August 8 and 9.

Fort Delaware is accessed via ferry from the dock on Clinton Street in Delaware City. Reservations may be made by calling 877-987-2757 or visiting www.destateparks.com. For more information about Fort Delaware’s schedule and group tour opportunities, call 302-834-7941.