As part of their continuing American History Series, Milford Museum will present “Storm Warriors: The U.S. Life Saving Service in Delaware” on Saturday, August 9 at 1 PM at the Milford Public Library. The program is free and open to the public.
“Before the Coast Guard existed, the brave men of the United States Life-Saving Service battled winds and waves to save sailors in distress,” Tom Summers, Executive Director of the Milford Museum said. “This program will have Delaware Seashore State Park Interpretive Programs Manager Tyler Dreiblatt explain how they started, how they operated and what became of them. He will also share some shipwreck stories.”
The Life-Saving Service in Delaware operated along the coast from 1871 to 1915 before becoming part of the United States Coast Guard. There were six life-saving stations in Delaware, including one in Lewes and one at Indian River. The mission of the service was to rescue mariners and passengers from shipwrecks. Trained crews, including keepers and surfmen manned the stations, using beach patrols, lifeboats and other special equipment to rescue people from the sea.
The Indian River Life-Saving Station still stands and is now a museum. It was a key station as it was centrally located to launch lifeboats. During the Great White Hurricane of 1888, Station Lewes played a crucial role in rescues on the water. When the Coast Guard formed in 1915, the USLSS was integrated into their ranks.
