- 302-838-7374
- info@fortdupont.org
Menu
As Fort DuPont honors the past and shapes the future, we invite you to join our community. This newsletter shares events and updates that connect Delaware City and celebrate our area’s rich history and natural beauty.
Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation, which plans to restore the 92-year-old theater on the fort’s campus, was represented at this year’s League of Historic American Theatres national conference in Pittsburgh.
Valerie Miller, Fort DuPont planner, attended LHAT’s sold-out gathering, the largest in the group’s 49-year history with more than 420 attendees from across the United States, Canada and Britain.
The conference in downtown Pittsburgh offered professional development, networking and theater tours. More than 40 hours of tools and techniques sessions detailed best practices in historic theater operations, film programming, fundraising, marketing, renovation, restoration and accessibility. An additional two hours were spent in networking sessions based on theater types and budgets.
“The conference left me buzzing with ideas for the Fort DuPont Theater—beautiful venue, excellent sessions, and top-notch organization,” Miller said.
The historic movie theater on the Fort DuPont grounds played a vital recreational role when it opened in 1933 and plans are in place to bring the structure back to life.
Miller said the project will be “easier due to our … membership in the League of Historic American Theatres.”
More than 300 historic theater owners, operators, volunteers and aficionados were represented at the Pittsburgh conference, with 115 service providers and suppliers who are experts in the field.
About 100 attendees began the conference July 20 with a historic theater ramble, visiting the Casino in Vandergrift; the Palace in Greensburg; the Westinghouse Arts Academy in Wilmerding; and the Row House – Hollywood in Dormont. During the conference, attendees toured Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Harris Theater, Benedum Center for Performing Arts, and the Byham Theater. The conference’s closing party was held at the Greer Cabaret Theater.
The League of Historic American Theatres, dedicated to supporting America’s historic theaters for their communities and future generations, is based in Forest Hill, Maryland.
August 15 – Fort Folk Fest featuring Mother’s Highway Junction
Come hear the folk power trio blend harmonica, vocals, and upright bass with original songs and heartfelt storytelling.
August 26 – Feathers by the Barracks
Join us at Fort DuPont from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for an evening of feathered fascination with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. This free, family-friendly event offers a chance to learn about the vital work being done to protect and rehabilitate wild birds in our region. Bring your curiosity and enjoy historic Fort DuPont!
September 14 – Sketch the Fort
Join Urban Sketchers Delaware from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Fort DuPont Pavilion. Bring your sketchpad and favorite materials and spend the afternoon drawing with fellow artists. Free and open to the public.
September 19 – Fort Folk Fest featuring The Honey Badgers
This Delaware-based folk/Americana duo is known for their beautiful harmonies and moving lyrics. Their music blends violin, harmonica, and guitar with heartfelt songwriting that speaks to love, loss, and connection.
October 18 – Save the Date for From Muskets to Machine Guns: A Day of Reenactment
Step Into the Past and Witness the Stories of Two Defining Wars
March into the past — stay for the fun! Join us for a day of history, play, and autumn celebration on the parade ground.
Owner
Enlightened Elements Spa
Winn Graham is the sole proprietor of Enlightened Elements Spa in Delaware City and a distinguished graduate of the Academy of Massage and Bodywork. As a nationally certified member of the American Massage Therapy Association, Winvenia brings more than nine years of experience to her craft.
Retired
Tom is an accomplished senior-level executive with over 50 years of experience in successful strategic and tactical leadership. Tom has excelled on capital fundraising throughout his career.
Executive Director
Fort DuPont Redevelopment & Preservation Corporation
Tim is the Executive Director of the Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation (FDRPC) since July 2022. He has decades of experience in historic preservation.
The Friends of Fort DuPont is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Fort DuPont’s beauty and history while building a vibrant, community-driven future. We support revitalization through arts, culture, and shared events that connect neighbors and celebrate Delaware City.
From Wilmington take I-95 south to DE Route 1 south toward Dover. Take exit 152 for Delaware City and Route 72. Turn left on Route 72 and follow into Delaware City. Go through the traffic light at Clinton Street and continue over the Branch Canal Bridge. Take your first left, which will put you onto Old Elm Ave and into Fort DuPont. Follow Old Elm Ave along the parade ground (on your right) to the first building on the right, 260 Old Elm Ave.
Fort DuPont is a lifestyle-based community designed around the water and great outdoors.
A place where bicycling, boating, walking, hiking, and birding are the norm and not the exception.