Michael Morgan to sign books July 9 at IndianRiver Life-Saving Station

The Indian River Life-Saving Station will host Michael Morgan for a presentation and book signing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 9. This program is free to the public and preregistration is not required.

Morgan has been writing freelance newspaper articles on the history of coastal Delaware for over three decades. He is the author of the Delaware Diary, which appears weekly in the Delaware Coast Press, and the Sussex Journal, which is a weekly feature of The Wave newspaper. Morgan has also published articles in America’s Civil War, the Baltimore Sun, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Civil War Times, Maryland Magazine, World War II Magazine and other national publications.

Morgan’s look at history is marked by a lively, storytelling style that has made his writing and lectures popular. He is also the author of "Pirates and Patriots: Tales of the Delaware Coast," "Rehoboth Beach: A History of Surf and Sand," "Bethany Beach: A Brief History," "Ocean City: Going Down the Ocean" and "Civil War Delaware: The First State Divided."

Morgan’s newest book is titled "Hidden History of Lewes," published in April 2014. Proudly laying claim to the title of first town in the first state, Lewes has a history brimming with little-known tales of gentleman pirates, desperate acts of cannibalism and a failed British bombardment in the War of 1812. Another attempted invasion occurred in 1853, when raucous New England fishermen intent on having a good time were repelled by residents armed with clubs and an old cannon.

In 1926, the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse toppled onto the beach. With the light extinguished, bootleggers had an easier time plying their trade. On Jan. 5, 1932, a captured rumrunner was accidentally set ablaze when an oil slick caught fire on the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. Author Morgan explores stories of impromptu presidential dips, charismatic preachers, German POW camps and other lost tales from the history of Lewes.

For more information, contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at 302-227-6991. For information on these and other programs at Delaware Seashore State Park, go to destateparks.com.