Museums of the State of Delaware to shift to winter schedules
On Nov. 4, 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 — which have been open since June 5, 2020, will complete the transition to their winter operating schedules. Museum operations are in keeping with reopening guidance issued by Gov. John Carney in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Advance reservations are required before visiting any of the museums. Tours will be 45 minutes in length and are limited to six visitors per tour (four at the Zwaanendael Museum).
Tour times will be as follows:
- John Dickinson Plantation: Thursdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. In addition, the museum grounds are open for outdoor visitation only on Wednesdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. (reservations not required on Wednesdays)
- Johnson Victrola Museum: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- New Castle Court House Museum: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- The Old State House: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Zwaanendael Museum: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tours will include reference materials that can be accessed via smartphone or in single-use printed form. Cloth face coverings must be worn at all times by staff, volunteers and patrons. All public museum areas are cleaned between tour groups according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Admission to the museums is free and open to the public. To make a reservation, patrons must call the museum they wish to visit. Go to the following for contact information and visitation guidelines.
The museums of the State of Delaware look forward to continuing to serve the public with interesting and informational programs, both in person and virtually.
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.
