Division museums add Thursday operating hours
Beginning on Aug. 6, 2020, the five museums of the State of Delaware—the John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum, Old State House and Zwaanendael Museum—will add Thursdays to the abbreviated schedules that they have been operating under since June 1, 2020. Museum operations are in keeping with reopening guidance issued by Gov. John Carney in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Visitation to all the museums is by self-guided tour only with advance reservations required. Tours will take place, subject to availability, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays with the exception of the Johnson Victrola Museum which is closed on Sundays and the John Dickinson Plantation which is open on Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for outdoor visitation only. Admission is free and open to the public. To make a tour reservation, patrons must call the museum they wish to visit. Go to the following for contact information and visitation guidelines.
Self-guided tours are 30 minutes in length and include reference materials that can be accessed via smartphone or in single-use printed form. Due to space constraints, some museum areas remain closed for the time being. Tour groups are limited to four or six visitors, depending on the museum, and cloth face coverings must be worn at all times by staff, volunteers and patrons. All public museum areas will be cleaned between tour groups according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the museums of the State of Delaware tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park.
