Enemies, Foreign & Domestic: A Fireside Chat

What would a Revolutionary War-era soldier have to say to a service member from World War II? The Zwaanendael Museum and Fort Miles Museum have joined forces to bring these two eras of Delaware history together in Enemies, Foreign & Domestic: A Fireside Chat, a program exploring the shared challenges, experiences, and differences between Loyalist and National Guard officers from Delaware.

Based on real Delawareans who served as officers during the American Revolutionary War and World War II, this program features costumed historians portraying military officers from each conflict. Mark Wilson, Lead Historical Interpreter at the Zwaanendael Museum, will portray an officer of the Loyal American Regiment, while Scott Wallen, Historical Interpreter at the Fort Miles Museum, will portray a captain of the 261st Coast Artillery Battalion.

Through a moderated conversation, the two historians will explore what military life and service were like in their respective eras. They will discuss how they entered military service, the challenges they encountered, and the unexpected similarities between their experiences.

During both the Revolutionary War and World War II, Lewes and the surrounding area faced periods of uncertainty and tension. Although the uniforms, weapons, and adversaries differed greatly, many of the concerns facing military officers remained remarkably similar. Both captains had to contend with food shortages, maintaining troop morale, and securing essential supplies. They also had to remain vigilant against potential threats—one watching for rebel militia during the Revolutionary War, the other keeping watch for German forces off the Lewes coast during World War II.

Through this engaging historical dialogue, participants will discover how each officer—and the real Delawarean whose story he represents—navigated the demands of military service during a time of conflict.

Enemies, Foreign & Domestic: A Fireside Chat is a joint program presented by the Zwaanendael Museum and Fort Miles Museum. Please join us on November 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Officers Club in Cape Henlopen State Park the program is free with park entrance fees.

Space is limited. Please call (302) 644-5007 to pre-register.