New Castle Things to Do

I highly recommend the guided tour of the old court house. The guides are (I believe) volunteers who are very knowledgeable about the town and Delaware history. You will even find out why the state of Delaware has the only rounded border of any state! Be aware that there are some steep stairs to climb. I don't think the upper floor is easily accessable for those with dissabilities.

Among New Castle’s few surviving early colonial buildings is the elegant brick, early Georgian mansion, the Amstel House. Built in the 1730s by the town’s wealthiest landowner, Dr. John Finney, the house is graced with original woodwork, fine architectural details and open hearth. Its early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in the town.

The house’s history is linked to many of the town’s prominent colonial families. A governor lived here; Delaware Signers of the Declaration of Independence stopped in here to meet with friends; George Washington attended a wedding in the parlor. Investigate the appealing decorative arts objects of 18th century residents. View the fabled Green Umbrella from the beloved children’s book.

In the first third of the 20th century, preservation saved the house from an uncertain fate, opening it in 1929 as a historic house. Among important aspects of this Colonial Revival story at the house is the interpretation of a Georgian town garden designed by noted landscape architect, Charles Gillette, in the 1930s.

Walk-in, guided tours are available April 1 - December 31. Tours are approximately 40 minutes

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11-4 & Sunday, 1-4.

Admission: Adults: $4 for one house; $7 for combination ticket to Amstel and Dutch Houses.
Children: Ages 2-12, $1.50 for one house; $2.50 for combination ticket to Amstel and Dutch Houses.

The hexagonal brick structure was built in 1892 to house the collections of the New Castle Library Company. Study this captivating example of a rare, original work of architect Frank Furness of Philadelphia. Encounter the extensive, breathtaking original interior woodwork and soaring skylight.

Admission is free

Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 1-4, March 1-December 31.

Facing the Green, the diminutive Dutch House traces its origins to the late 17th century when New Castle was the bustling port for Dutch, English, Swedish, and Finnish settlers and traders. Learn about the early period of settlement in Delaware, when this house was a beamed-ceiling, frame house, a rare early colonial urban survival.

Step back in time to the seafaring days of the late 17th century when New Castle was a young port. Displays include early pewter set at a hutch table, a kas (an unusual cupboard), spoon rack, a 1714 Bible, and other Dutch Colonial artifacts which reflect the traditions and lifestyle in early America. Early 20th century preservationist, Louise du Pont Crowninshield, collected these remarkable antiques.

Walk-in, guided tours are available April 1 - December 31. Tours last about 40 minutes.

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11-4 & Sunday, 1-4.

Admission: Adults: $4 for one house, $7 for combination ticket to Amstel and Dutch Houses.
Children: Ages 2-12, $1.50 for one house. $2.50 for combination ticket to Amstel and Dutch Houses.

Open: 10:00 - 3:30pm Tue. - Sat., 1:30 - 4:30pm Sunday, Closed Mondays and State Holidays. Free Admission. Reservations needed for groups of ten or more.
Built in 1732, the Court House served as the meeting place for Delaware's colonial assembly from 1732 to 1777 when New Castle was Delaware's capital. Tour topics include Delaware boundaries, colonial history, slavery and abolition.