Division’s plans for fiscal years 2015 to 2019 reviewed; Employees, volunteers and partners honored.

Thorough understanding of green-building principles and practices a requirement for acceptance.

Program encourages students to study the U.S. Constitution.

Grant-application process to be administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ State Historic Preservation Office.

By: Katie Goerger, Historical Interpreter Indian River Life-Saving Station Delaware Seashore State Park The Indian River Life-Saving Station is one of Delmarva’s relatively unknown gems. Situated along the coastline of southern Delaware between the Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, many recognize it as the hub for programs and events at Delaware Seashore State Park. […]

By: Katie Goerger, Historical Interpreter
Indian River Life-Saving Station
Delaware Seashore State Park

The Indian River Life-Saving Station is one of Delmarva’s relatively unknown gems. Situated along the coastline of southern Delaware between the Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, many recognize it as the hub for programs and events at Delaware Seashore State Park. This oddly-colored building, however, preserves a unique history that has slowly been forgotten over the years.

In the mid to late 19^th century, devastating shipwrecks along American coastlines were an all too common occurrence. Shoals hidden just beneath the water’s surface caused vessels to run aground, losing cargo to the waves and drowning mariners within sight of dry land. By 1871, in response to public outcry, the government finally intervened.

Over the next few years, the first United States Life-Saving stations were built and manned by full-time crews known as “surfmen”. The men who joined the service left their comfortable lives at home to join a life where they would train by day and patrol the beaches by night, performing daring rescues in overwhelming conditions. The service was a complete success, lasting for 44 years until President Woodrow Wilson merged it with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the Coast Guard in 1915.

Built in in 1876, the Indian River Life-Saving Station protected mariners along the coastlines from as far south as Bethany Beach and as far north as Cape Henlopen. In total, the crew of this station responded to over 60 wrecks and saved the lives of 419 people.

Today, the Indian River Life-Saving Station is located along Route 1 just north of the Indian River Bridge and operates as the main public center for Delaware Seashore State Park. The museum itself is setup to resemble its 1905 appearance and is open to both public and private tours year-round.

A spotlight on the historic Smyrna home of Delaware patriot Thomas Collins.

Responsibilities will include maintaining, repairing and preserving the nearly 90 structures administered by the division.

Public interest continues for British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798.

Participate in First State Heritage Park’s 18th Century Market Fair Flickr Photo Contest in Eight Easy Steps:     STEP 1 Experience history and capture some memories at the First State Heritage Park 18th Century Market Fair on November 2, 2013!   STEP 2 Join the Photo Contest group on Flickr.  * Make sure you […]

Participate in First State Heritage Park’s

18th Century Market Fair Flickr Photo Contest

in Eight Easy Steps:

STEP 1

Experience history and capture some memories at the First State Heritage Park 18^th Century Market Fair on November 2, 2013!

STEP 2

Join the Photo Contest group on Flickr.

 * Make sure you scroll down and “Agree” to the contest rules to advance to the group page:

STEP 3

Upload your memories.

STEP 4

Tag your photos with FSHPMarketFair – photos are not eligible for the contest unless they are tagged properly!

STEP 5

In the photo description space, please include a title for the image and any description you may provide, including a few words to complete any of the prompts below.

“Visiting the FSHP 18^th Century Market Fair, “I learned…,” “I enjoyed…,” or “I met…”

STEP 6

Add to the group.

STEP 7

Upload the photos to your Photostream.

* The upload confirmation window should look like this, indicating that your photos are (1) public, (2) tagged, and (3) grouped:

STEP 8

Watch, share, and vote between now and November 30th for your chance to win a 2014 Delaware State Parks Pass!

Another blog post will follow with instructions and tips for voting, but the more people that you can get to favorite your photo the better your chances at winning!

Happy Market Fairing! Share your experiences here!

Working at the state’s museums, these employees help bring Delaware history to life.