Create a Sailor’s Valentine Feb. 8 at the Indian River Life-Saving Station

This Valentine’s Day, are residents can surprise that special someone with an extraordinary and heartfelt piece of maritime history. The Little Keepers program, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, will guide 3-5-year-olds as they learn to build a Sailor’s Valentine craft.  The class will also be offered to adults  at 7 p.m.  Both classes will take place at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Sailors in the 19th century, long separated from their loved ones by months at sea, would purchase intricate, decorative valentines for the sweethearts or friends they’d left behind.

Most valentines were made in a wooden box with seashells, coins and other treasured items from the sea fashioned into colorful mosaics. Parks staff will supply wooden boxes, craft supplies, shells and basic instruction to assist participants in creating a memorable symbol of old-fashioned maritime tradition.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum is on Route 1 in Delaware Seashore State Park, 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet and 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach. The program fee of $15 covers all materials and instruction for the adult class.  Little Keepers pay $3 and must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so preregister by calling 302-227-6991.