I received this letter, see below, from Lee Patrick Anderson the Executive Director of Fort Mifflin on the Delaware and felt it was important to share with all of you. I have been a volunteer at the fort since 1969 and with the down economy and financial cutbacks from the city of Philadelphia I unfortunately could see this coming. Fort Mifflin the fort that saved America could be closing its gates forever. .jpg)
Located on the scenic Delaware River, Fort Mifflin was originally built by the British in 1771. It is the site of the largest bombardment the North American continent has ever witnessed. In 1777, during the American Revolution, a valiant five-week battle took place when the British Navy attacked Fort Mifflin on Mud Island. The British had the garrison of approximately 400 Continental soldiers surrounded from three sides. Attempting to open the supply line for the British Army already in the Rebel capital of Philadelphia, the British shot over 10,000 cannonballs at the Fort, causing the garrison to eventually evacuate. Over 150 Continental soldiers died as a result of the battle.
An active military post until the Korean War, this made the Fort one of the longest continually used military posts in the nation up until that time. The Fort has played many roles in the security of our Nation in its 237 years of existence; garrisoned in the War of 1812, a Confederate prison during the Civil War and a munitions depot in World Wars I & II.
We need to save the fort that saved America. Write your elected representatives, contribute what you can, at the very least send this article to all on you mailing list.
We can save Fort Mifflin, remember “Freedom isn’t free.”
To Friends of Fort Mifflin;
The unthinkable has happened and we were forced to drastically decrease our workforce and also close the Fort to business, except for previously scheduled events, from now until further notice. That also means that only a few weeks before the Holidays, our part-time staff had to be laid off, and a few of our full time employees are either working full time for half pay, and/or their hours were drastically cut, along with their income. Unfortunately, this current condition will continue until a solution for this financial crisis can be found.
The Fort historically loses business at this time of year, but with the financial difficulties of the City, State of Pennsylvania, Board of Education and Charitable Foundations, the Fort suffered one of its worse Fall and Winter seasons on record. Schools are not coming for Field Trips. Foundations are unable to offer support as they have in the past. Our restoration and preservation of Casemate #11 was a costly, but worthwhile project. In fact, the Fort enjoyed its largest number in visitations it has ever witnessed. We only hope we can keep this exciting historic find open to the public.
We are sending this out to everyone and anyone who has helped Fort Mifflin in the past or has even shown an interest in preserving this magnificent testament of selfless dedication by U.S. soldiers throughout American history. I don't want to sound too desperate, but that is exactly what we are at the moment.
If the Fort does not receive a total of approximately $50,000 in the next month we will have to stop all operations until April 1st, 2009 and perhaps beyond that date.
Could you please help in some way? Any and all contributions are welcome and happily accepted. All contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a letter stating that for 2008 tax purposes. With only a few weeks left in 2008, this is the perfect time to make a tax deductible donation for the 2008 tax year.
Also, to show our appreciation for your contribution, we will send you one of several gifts we have chosen for our contributors. For example; a gift of $1,000 or more and you will receive a Fort Mifflin book, button, poster, flag, Declaration of Independence and small cannon model.
Please help by making out a check or Money Order to "Fort Mifflin on the Delaware" and send your contribution to; Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads, Phila., PA 19153. We can also take credit and debit card donations over the phone by calling 215-685-4167.
On November, 5th 1777, George Washington said, "Fort Mifflin is of the utmost importance to our cause and must be saved at all costs." That statement still rings true today.
Thank you,
Lee Patrick Anderson
Executive Director
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads
Philadelphia, PA 19153
leeanderson@fortmifflin.us
(O) 215-685-4167
(C) 609-680-4654
Comments
These is such a tragic aftershock in the wake of our world economic situation. We could lose so much history if we are not vigilant. I've been informing the genealogical community concerning the state of finances for the Fort as well as other local historical sites. I'm starting a "Stay Local" campaign; rather than going on a long trip to see historical sites, stay closer to home & get to know what is in the DelVal area. We have an incredible treasure house of landmarks; many of which the locals aren't even aware exist in their own backyards.
Visiting these local sites will go far to assist supporting them in these tough economic times and expand our appreciation for who we are, where we came from and what sacrifices were made by "common folk".
We owe it to those "little people"; the unsung heros of everyday life to cherish our past and protect it for the future.
Keep the fort open. If you don't have the cash.Send this to all of your friends and family.
Ft Mifflin is a valuable learning aid and piece of American history. Why not close the liberty bell and most of the downtown historical area as well? When we let budget dictate what piece of history will and will not survive, we will eventually lose all of our history.
Fort Mifflin is a valuable link between now and the past. It is a living legacy and should be protected as such.
It would seem to me that we should protect our children's education by preserving these historic venues. Our schools should be teaching our next generations about the history of our country. Understanding the cost of the liberties we enjoy are essential for building respect.
Save money by limiting perks which high ranking politicians enjoy. Not by encouraging ignorance and apathy.
Please keep the fort open. I was hoping to ghost hunt there some time! Ignore your past and you will have no future.
If we can get 50000 people to donate one dollar the fort is saved. we need to get the word out and fast...we could use paypal lets get our heads together people...hit me up with any ideas at my email...we can do this I know it...any one you know that can kick up a donation
keep the fort open, help if you can
The fort had more visitors this year than they've had in years past. Barring the cost of casemate #11, shouldn't someone be looking into where the money went?
We are going to do whatever possible to help raise this money, If you are interested conversations will be held at www.myghostnetwork.com we would love not only the paranormal community to get involved, but all historians.
This fort is a beautiful reminder of what america is all about, I want my child to be able to experience this fort the same way that I have.
To "Friend of the Fort". If you were a true friend of the fort, you would understand the cost of keeping an historical site like this operational - especially without the benefit of state and federal funding. Any funding this Fort receives is due to the undying efforts of a very small group of people. Do you have a clue as to how much it cost the Fort to make Casemate 11 available to the public? There is no wasted or mismanaged money at the Fort, only a lack of enough caring people and organizations to ensure such an integral part of our past does not cease to exist.
Thank all of you for any positive response you may have to this desperate request for help!
I put some money in the mail to the fort. Please do the same if you can.
fortmifflin.us
Hello, Like Robyn, I'm a staff member on MyGhostNetwork, were going to do what we can to spread the word and find a way to help out, i'm sure everyone would love to help support this fort and keep this fort open. I've never been to fort mifflin but if i had to i'd make a trip just to support the fort. Maybe we can come up with some kind of fundraiser where all proceeds would go to a foundation we make up to save fort mifflin ya know? just a thought :D
I am an historian as are my husband and our daughters. I have seen Ft. Mifflin and want to help in anyway that I can. We are on a limited income, but there is a large group that may be able to help, the plan would be to get their attention.
I am a sub teacher for the Guthrie Public Schools in Guthrie, OK. Many of these students have an interest in history; K-12 grades.
I imagine there are other students across this nation who may have such an interest, or students who may be taught just how important history truly is by saving the fort and other such locations.
I have never attempted such an undertaking before but would like to get started with this cause. Even if each student donated just 50cents each, the money, and more, could be raised in a very short time.
So just how do we go about pulling the kids in, getting their attention? I am sure there are some of you with ideas?
There is very little time, we need to start immediately. Just let me know, I'm ready.
To Evelynne,Fort Mifflin does distance learning contact Lee Patrick Anderson @ leeanderson@fortmifflin.us
(O) 215-685-4167 (C) 609-680-4654 and he can assist you with your fundraiser idea.This is grass root effort, everyone and every penny helps.
I love Fort Mifflin! If you cannot send money you can certainly let your voice be heard. IMMEDIATELY contact your state representatives and Congress. I am contacting the Fort on Monday to see how I can volunteer my time. This is a serious situation. With today economic woes visitor centers at our National Parks are closing their doors as well. If you love this Fort do something about it. Take a stand. Let your voices, pocket books, or volunteering efforts be known. Thank you.
We need more ideas to help save the fort. Sendideas to savefortmifflin dot gmail dot com.
Save the Fort that saved America.
Fort Mifflin is a Philadelphia hidden treasure! If you have never been to Fort Mifflin go and see for yourself what you have been missing! Help save the Fort that saved America! Consider becoming a member of this institue of magnificent History!
I did a radio show here for the first 24 paranormal investagation ever in 2008. SAVE FORT MIFFLIN
I have been in touch with radio stations and news channels to try to get the word out further. I have someone making T-shirts, where all the procedes will go to the fort, also all money that comes in for advertising on my site will go to the fort, and PARA my Paranormal group is in talks with Lee about more fund raising ideas, possibly a lecture and an auction! we will do this guys!
I and Robyn will be hosted as guests possibly along with one other person if possible to speak about this issue of Fort Mifflin and as well as help promote our website as well.
Listen in on www.para-x.com or sign up at www.myghostnetwork.com and listen in on the podcast/radio section this sunday or next sunday for us on air talking bout this.
Thanks for this awareness Tony!
Where is the DAR,SAR,GAR and groups like them ? Do they read, and not post?
The UDC will send a representative to the February 7th meeting. We honor all the brave men and woman who have served their country. Fort Mifflin is sacred soil where blood paid for our freedom. We as a nation need this battlefield as a reminder to all generations that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
Support The Fort
Here is another way to look at Fort Mifflin. It is sacred ground, made so by the blood of woman and men who gave their last full measure for our collective freedom. It is an endangered Revolutionary War Battlefield, more is gone than is left of it. The fort did duty as a part of our nation’s defense form 1771 till 1952. It is a unique collection of historic buildings; each of which could stand on its own as a protected historic landmark. The events that take place there, Siege Weekend, 4th of July Freedom Blast, War Between the States living history, ww1 living history, ww2 living history, Vietnam veterans’ weekend, memorial day, veterans day and new this year United States Colored Troops Civil War Weekend and Historic Soldiers Weekend all are there to remind us of the collective sacrifices of the men and women who have kept our country free. There are scouting overnights and school field trips that come to the fort to learn about what it costs to be a free people. The newest group that comes to the fort is the paranormal investigators who come explore the past in their own unique ways. All who come to the fort leave it with a better understanding of the role the people who lived, served, and died there did so to keep us all free.
The Fort needs us, Its sacred ground. do whatever you need to do (legaly), E-Mail Nutter.. How bout picnics at the fort... and charge per person... Merchandising....T-Shirts, Polos, Hats, Updating the Forts website...
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