Mystery and Theater Highlight Events at Fort Delaware on June 18

DELAWARE CITY (June 14, 2011) – New 2011 special events at Fort Delaware State Park continue on Saturday, June 18.  The Civil War Round Table of Wilmington will present the play The Death of Colonel Jones, a historical reenactment of an 1864 court martial with shows at 1 and 3 p.m. 

The play reveals the events surrounding the trial of Pvt. William G. Douglass, 157^th Ohio Infantry, for the shooting death of Confederate prisoner of war Colonel Elliott Pope Jones.  This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Mystery of the H. L. Hunley, at 1:30 p.m., tells the story of the Confederate submarine that sunk off Charleston Harbor in 1864.  Local historian Bill Jenkins shares his passion about the mission, the recovery and the artifact record that helps to tell the story.  Both programs are offered free of charge with paid ferry tickets to Pea Patch Island. 

Visitors who wish to learn more about Fort Delaware and its history may attend a Behind the Scenes Tour which debuts on Friday, June 17 at 1:30 p.m. and runs Fridays through Sundays, ending on Labor Day weekend.  Tours are $5 per person, and tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center inside Fort Delaware.

Access to Pea Patch Island is by ferry from either Delaware City or Fort Mott, New Jersey.  Ferry tickets cost $11 for adults, $6 for children 2 through 12 and $10 for seniors and Active Duty Military (with ID). Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.

Reservations are suggested, but visitors may purchase tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made by calling 1-877- 987-2757 or visiting www.destateparks.com. Tickets may only be reserved 24 hours in advance 

Vol. 41, No. 228