From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
Photo: NPS Photo
First State National Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley.
- LocationNew Castle, DE
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursToday: Closed
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Weather now72°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- American Revolutionary War
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Churches
- Colonization and Settlement
- Enslavement
- Farming and Agriculture
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
11 more topics
- Incarceration
- Jails and Prisons
- Maritime
- Monuments and Memorials
- Plantations
- Religion and Spirituality
- Social Movements
- Trails
- Urban America
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
Alerts (1)
CautionSafety Alert Hazardous Trees in the Brandywine Valley Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution… Read more
Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution while driving and hiking never walk directly under a tree that is hanging. Park staff is working to improve conditions.
Things to Do
15 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Horse Trekking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Citizen Science
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Freshwater Fishing
- Front-Country Hiking
- Hands-On
Show 3 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center is the primary orientation space for visitors. Visitors can start their tour by watching a video about John Dickinson, to…
Details
The John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center is the primary orientation space for visitors. Visitors can start their tour by watching a video about John Dickinson, to transport themselves back in time and take a brief look at the stories they will hear more about on their tour. The Visitor Center contains two exhibits with text panels which tells the stories of the people and families that operated the John Dickinson Planation, the sites connection to the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, and the lan -
Sheriff's House Welcome Center
Visitor Center
The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle inside the Sheriff’s House. The center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Exhibits in the…
10 Market Street, New Castle, DE (302) 317-3854 Directions
Details
The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle inside the Sheriff’s House. The center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Exhibits in the center share nationally significant stories that shaped the nation’s first state through photos and audio-visual displays. Staff are also available to provide details about visiting partner sites throughout the state.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Today: Closed · New Castle Court House Museum
Hours by area (6)
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New Castle Court House MuseumToday: Closed
The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. During tours, visitors are welcome to check out the waiting area to pick up information, ask questions, or get their passport stamped. The New Castle Court House Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 10:00AM - 3:30PM Thursday 10:00AM - 3:30PM Friday 10:00AM - 3:30PM Saturday 10:00AM - 3:30PM Sunday 1:30PM - 4:00PM -
Old Swedes Historic SiteToday: Closed
Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free. Self-Guided Cemetery Tour, $5. Old Swedes Historic Site is a partner organization to the National Park Service and does not receive NPS funds. As such, they cannot honor National Parks Annual Passes. You can book your tour by visiting their website.
Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 10:00AM - 3:00PM Friday 10:00AM - 3:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 3:00PM Sunday Closed -
Fort ChristinaToday: Closed
The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last guided tour begins at 3:00 p.m. After Labor Day, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visits by appointment are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, depending on staff availability. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, please call 302-429-7447.
Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday Closed Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM -
Brandywine ValleyDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The Brandywine Valley is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays,a larger field lot on the corner of Brandywine Creek Rd. and Ramsey Rd. is open to accommodate visitor parking.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset -
The Dover GreenDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The Dover Green is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Cancellation stamps are available at the Old State House. Guided walking tours begin at the John Bell House (43 The Green) Thursday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tours are $6.50 per person, and children ages 8 and under may join for free. On the first Saturday of every month, guided walking tours are offered at no cost.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset -
John Dickinson PlantationToday: Closed
Tuesdays: OUTDOOR VISITATION ONLY. Grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call 302-739-3277.
Monday Closed Tuesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Wednesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Friday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday Closed
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
First State National Historical ParkNew Castle, DE 19720
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
72°F
Sunny · feels like 70°
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Today
73° 55°
Overcast60% rain -
Tomorrow
78° 61°
Sunny7% rain
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Wednesday
84° 66°
Sunny57% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Dancing at the Dickinson
Event page for Dancing at the Dickinson (opens in a new tab)About
If you’ve ever wanted to experience your own Mr. Darcy or Miss Bennett moment, or have simply wondered how all those dances you’ve seen in “Jane Austen” films work, or just want to have a fun evening, then you are definitely going to want to join the English country dance classes at John Dickinson Plantation.
Michelle Sebastian Aldrich will be teaching you English country dance (ECD) formations and figures, as well as some social history and the historical importance of ECD. Michelle has taught ECD since 2010, beginning at Dumbarton House in Washington DC, and is the Founder and Director of Sebastian ECD (formerly ECD in DC), an English country dance performance group that has performed at various venues, such as The Folger Theatre in Washington DC.
ECD requires no prior experience - there is no fancy footwork needed, and the figures are simple and easy to learn. Every dance is taught and prompted by Michelle throughout the dance. Come get your steps in!
If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing, this is a great opportunity! Classes are FREE!
Participants must be 18 or older or 13 and older if accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Call to pre-register at 302-739-3277.
Important notes:
• It is not necessary to come to class with a partner. ECD is “social”: partners can change throughout the class and are encouraged to do so. This way everyone dances with everyone else, and all contribute to the fun.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Whilst the steps are simple, you will be moving!
• Wear flat shoes that won't skid or stick on a wood or cork floor. The most important thing is that everyone can dance safely! -
Halloween Ghost Ship
About
Celebrate Halloween with a Maritime Twist!Celebrate Halloween at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard with a maritime twist on spooky fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s Tall Ship, along with pumpkin painting and plenty of other family-friendly activities.
Then, make your way to Fort Christina and stop by to say hello to some of your favorite Park Rangers as you trick-or-treat through the park. But beware—you never know whether the rangers will have a trick or a treat waiting for you!
Come celebrate the season, explore local history, and enjoy a Halloween adventure the whole family will remember.
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Sheriff's House Oral History Interview
About
Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.
Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.
Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov.
Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed.
Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
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Sheriff's House Oral History Interview
About
Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.
Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.
Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov.
Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed.
Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
Show 3 more events
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Sheriff's House Oral History Interview
About
Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.
Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.
Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov .
Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed.
Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
-
Sheriff's House Oral History Interview
About
Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.
Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.
Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov.
Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed.
Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.
-
Delaware Heritage Festival
Event page for Delaware Heritage Festival (opens in a new tab)About
Delaware Heritage FestivalJoin us for this FREE celebration of Delaware’s rich and diverse history!
Step onto the historic Dover Green and walk in the footsteps of 18th-century market-goers, suffragists, soldiers, and freedom fighters. Throughout the day, experience performances and demonstrations by talented groups bringing Delaware’s history to life—from prehistory to the present day.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy returning fan-favorite performers from our 18th-century Market Fair, delicious food, local vendors offering handmade goods, and exciting new groups. Whether you’re a passionate historian, a curious first-time visitor, or a family looking for a fun day out and a head start on holiday shopping, there’s something for everyone.
More performers, vendors, and event details will be announced soon. Check back on our website as we continue to update the festival lineup.
Learn more about the Delaware Heritage Festival
Interested in participating? Want to be a vendor or performer at the festival? Submit your application through our new online portal: Vendor and Performer Application
Photos
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The New Castle Court House Museum was the first court of Delaware and has seen a variety of significant moments in history. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
New Castle, DE 19720
First State National Historical Park is made up of six individual sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that explore early settlement through the ratification of the US Constitution. Please visit the individual pages for directions or hours of operation.
Mailing address: First State National Historical Park, New Castle, DE 19720
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