Three Museums, Four Centuries of New Castle’s History
The New Castle Historical Society’s three museums tell unique and distinct stories about the town’s past and its residents. From Dutch laborers and British colonial governors to prominent American architects, the New Castle Historical Society celebrates New Castle’s diverse history from the town’s 17th century founding through the preservation efforts of the 21st century.

• Treasure your stay amid the old world charm of Old New Castle on the Delaware, with its cobblestone streets, town green, and quaint shopping district.
• Huddle around the fireplace in the house of humble laborers and see where they slept after a hard days work.
• Step into Governor Van Dyke's front parlor, where George Washington once helped to celebrate a wedding.
• Feel the warmth of the patina of timeless American and European antiques.
• Stroll the brick paths of early gardens of boxwood, perennials, and herbs.

Guided tours for individual guests or groups include an overview of the history of the houses, the families who lived at the sites, and collections contained within the museums.

Click the photo to learn more about the house Amstel House The First Grand Mansion of Delaware 2 East Fourth Street, New Castle, DE 19720 Annual Schedule: Walk-in, guided tours are available April 1 - December 31. Museum Hours:  Wednesday - Saturday 11-4 & Sunday, 1-4. (Tours are approximately 40 minutes)   Garden Hours:  Daily, Sunrise to Sunset 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.   We accept, cash, checks, debit or credit (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express) for admission tickets at the Amstel House

Click the photo to learn more about the house Dutch House Delaware’s Early Colonial Gem 32 East Third Street, New Castle, DE 19720 Annual Schedule: Walk-in, guided tours are available April 1 - December 31. Museum Hours:  Wednesday - Saturday 11-4 & Sunday, 1-4. (Tours are approximately 40 minutes)   Garden Hours:  Daily, Sunrise to Sunset 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.   We accept cash or checks only at the Dutch House.  Please visit the Amstel House to purchase admission tickets with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.

Parking  

Free on-street parking is available throughout New Castle. On special event days, satellite parking is available and noted on your approach to the town.

There is limited wheelchair access in our historic buildings.

Sidewalks in Historic New Castle are brick and may be uneven in places. 

Photography is not permitted within the museums of the New Castle Historical Society without express written consent of the Society. Exterior photography is welcomed and encouraged!

A museum gift shop is available in the Amstel House and in the Old Library Museum.

To preserve the integrity of our historic buildings, the Society has no public restrooms in our museums. Public restrooms are available at the New Castle Courthouse and Battery Park.

Our historic houses are air-conditioned in summer.

 

There are several restaurants located within walking distance of the Society's museums including: 

 

KT's "Sangwich" Shoppe ($)

The New Castle Deli ($)

The New Castle Diner ($)

Three Crowns ($)

Jessop's Tavern ($$)

Porto-Fino's Pizza & Restaurant ($$)

Watermark Tavern at The David Finney Inn ($$)

The Arsenal at Old New Castle ($$ to $$$)

Prince on Delaware ($$ to $$$)

Lodging is available in Historic New Castle at The Terry House B&B or The Kentucky Derby Inn.

Battery Park, along the Delaware River, has picnic tables, a playground, and a walking path.

Questions?   

Call 302-322-2794, or email us at nchistorical@aol.com for information.