April 23, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 178

Media contact: Becky Webb, Fort Delaware State Park, 302-834-7941; Lee Jennings, Delaware State Parks, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9191, necia.beck@state.de.us.

Help Find a Key to Fort Delaware’s Past on Opening Day

DELAWARE CITY, Del. – Opening Day for Fort Delaware is quickly approaching on Saturday, April 26, and Delaware State Parks staff is asking for the public’s help in unlocking important information about the history of this Civil War landmark. 

Archaeologists from Delaware State Parks and Fort Delaware staff, working from accurate surveys of the area, will be obtaining core samples to help locate the foundation of The Fort Delaware Chapel that was built on Pea Patch Island in 1863. The foundation contained a cornerstone with a time capsule, installed at the dedication of the chapel nearly 150 years ago. The public is invited to come to the Fort on opening day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. to assist with the search.

“We are anxious to uncover the time capsule, which should yield important new information about the people who lived on Pea Patch during the Civil War,” said Lee Jennings, Chief of Cultural Heritage, Delaware State Parks. “This is such a unique opportunity, that we are asking for as much help as we can get.”

Fort Delaware State Park, on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, housed Confederate prisoners of war during the Civil War, but was also home to a bustling community of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The trip to Fort Delaware begins on Clinton Street, Delaware City. A short ferry ride takes visitors to the island. For fees and information, call 302-834-7941 or visit www.destateparks.com. 

Excavation of the chapel will continue on May 24, June 7, June 18, July 12, July 23, Aug. 2 and Aug. 20.