The Emergence of American Military Medicine under Washington
2026-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
With 32 years of distinguished service as a medical Officer in the United States Army, Dr. Wagner retired with the rank of Colonel. He is a noted medical historian and shares his deep knowledge of medicine and history. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Dr. Magner has served as a Pentagon consultant, advising on the mobilization and coordination of medical forces across all service branches.
This program is free of charge, but due to limited seating, please register online here.
This program is presented by The New Castle Court House Museum, in partnership with and made possible by the generosity of the Battell and Read Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (New Castle).

Revolutionary River: The Delaware Waterway & the War for Independence
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:00
The Delaware River was more than an obstacle crossed by Washington’s army on December 25th, 1776. At the heart of its 120 navigable miles lay Philadelphia, the Revolutionary capital of a new republic…if it could be won, and kept. Perhaps more vitally than any other waterway, the Bay and River became a strategic actor in its own right, influencing trade, communication, and military movement – especially during the key phase of 1776-1778. Join independent historian and Historic Lewes’ Director of Interpretation, Ryan Schwartz, in this exploration of how the waters that still flow passed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware influenced the dramatic acts of the United States’ founding drama.

In the Shadows of the Gallows: The History of Capital Punishment in America
2026-04-25 12:00 - 13:00
The historical, legal, and ethical evolution of capital punishment in the United States is complex. This program examines public executions—particularly in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic—from the era when the sheriff was the county executioner to the modern era, highlighting key reforms as the nation debated the abolition of the death penalty and sought more humane methods of execution. Throughout, it analyzes the shifting historical, cultural, legal, and ethical factors that influenced the nation’s approach to capital punishment.

Day in Old New Castle
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00
The oldest home and garden tour in America, in one of our most beautiful and historic small towns, on the nation’s 250th anniversary. There will be activities for kids and art contests, Revolutionary War reenactors, performers and music and costumes, markets for food and crafts, special offers in our unique shops and restaurants. Put it on your calendar and plan to come with the whole family.
The New Castle Court House Museum will be open for tours and have a special pop up exhibit with objects from the Bicentennial
Please click on the tickets box when going to buy tickets on the Day in Old New Castle website.

Suzuki Academy Performance
2026-05-23 15:00 - 16:00
Come listen to students from the Suzuki Academy of the Music School of Delaware preform in the New Castle Court House Museum.

Separation Day Parade
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:00
Separation Day is the annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of arguably one of the longest running traditions in the state. The community event is held annually in Historic New Castle. Saturday kicks off with a Colonial-inspired parade. The middle of the day is filled with children’s rides, an Artisan & Vintage market, live music, beer garden and foods prepared by community groups. Numerous historical institution will be on the historic Green in New Castle with activities from 11-4. The day culminates with fireworks over the Delaware River.

Separation Day Observed
2026-06-15 10:00 - 16:00
In observance of Separation Day and the nation’s 250th Anniversary, the space will be open for a special event on June 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with educational activities related to civics and the history of beloved state symbols such as the Blue Hen and Horseshoe Crab . At 7pm that same day NCCH will host a special Declaration of Independence program. This supplements the City of New Castle celebrations on the Green, Parade and more.

History Revival: “To Give My Voice in the Matter of Independence”
2026-07-02 08:00 - 17:00
What was life in Delaware like at the time of independence? What factors and conditions had shaped the colony soon-to-be state, and influenced its people? Who were the participants in these events, and in which ways did they choose, or were able, to participate? To help answer these questions, this presentation will examine aspects of Delaware’s colonial history and identity, the arrival of and the people’s reaction to the news of independence, and the varied and difficult responses Delawareans made in the years that followed. This discussion by historian Chuck Fithian will demonstrate Delaware’s complex Revolutionary War history, and the ways its people started to “begin the world over again.”

Dog Days of Summer: "1776"
2026-07-03 20:00 - 22:30
Join us on the Green as we watch “1776” and discuss some of the history of the movie. Be sure to bring your furry friend to enjoy this movie.

Grievances of Declaration of Independence
2026-07-04 12:00 - 13:00
Participate in a program discussing the lesser known grievances portion of the Declaration of Independence.

The Delaware Public Archives presents, Not Today, PA! at the place where it happened
2026-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
In 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the colonies’ break from British rule. It also marks the 250th anniversary of the State of Delaware declaring its independence from Pennsylvania. This presentation will examine the early days of the Lower Counties on the Delaware under the proprietary governance of William Penn and his successors, delving into the conditions that ultimately led to separation. We reflect on the challenges faced by the nascent state as it recovered from the economic and social tolls of the War of Independence and how “Separation Day” came to be celebrated in the City of New Castle as a commemoration of the founding of the State of Delaware.

The American Revolution and Civil Disobedience
2026-07-24 18:00 - 19:00
a reenactment of the burning of the Court House’s tip staves, a wooden baton and symbol of the king, followed by a discussion on civil disobedience and reading of the Declaration of Independence.

History Revival: Truly a Public House
2026-08-06 19:00 - 20:00
During the Colonial Era Taverns, often called Public Houses of Entertainment, were multipurpose structures meant to serve the community. In Dover, Delaware, there were two taverns on opposing sides of the Green and during different stretches of time, both were run by women. Come learn about the Bell Family and the Battell family and how their women shaped both Dover and American history from historian Jane Pilato.

History Revival: When the Declaration was News
2026-08-13 19:00 - 20:00
Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, Dr. Emily Sneff’s, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators.

History Revival: The Fighting Along the Delaware River in 1777
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00
Historian Michael Harris will highlight George Washington’s efforts to keep the British Navy out of Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. Highlights will include the fighting for Billingsport and Fort Mercer in New Jersey and Fort Mifflin in Pennsylvania.

History Revival: Americans in King George III's Army; Service in a Loyalist Regiment during the American Revolutionary War
2026-08-27 19:00 - 20:00
Lead Historical Interpreter at Zwaanendael, Mark Wilson, will discuss be portraying an officer of the Loyal American Regiment, and learn about the uniforms, equipment and life of a Loyalist in Delaware during the American Revolution.

Dog Days of Summer - National Treasure
2026-08-28 20:00 - 2026-08-29 22:00
Join us on the New Castle Green with your well behaved furry friend to watch National Treasure. Nicholas Cage, historian and cryptologist, searches for hidden clues in the Declaration of Independence to locate the lost riches of the legendary Knights Templar in National Treasure

History Revival: "To Give My Voice in the Matter of Independence"
2026-09-03 19:00 - 20:00
The Declaration of Independence is one of the central documents of the founding and development of the United States. In 1776, the ideas contained in this document held significant ramifications for the diverse people living in the “Delaware State.” Many embraced the cause of independence, and ultimately revolution, while others remained loyal to the British Empire and to the Crown.
But what was life in Delaware like at the time of independence? What factors and conditions had shaped the colony soon-to-be state, and influenced its people? Who were the participants in these events, and in which ways did they choose, or were able, to participate? To help answer these questions, this presentation will examine aspects of Delaware’s colonial history and identity, the arrival of and the people’s reaction to the news of independence, and the varied and difficult responses Delawareans made in the years that followed. This discussion by historian Chuck Fithian will demonstrate Delaware’s complex Revolutionary War history, and the ways its people started to “begin the world over again.”

Creating a New State
2026-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
The Delaware Constitution that was approved on September 20, 1776, established the Delaware State and acted as the base for future Delaware constitutions. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of its approval, one of the New Castle Court House Museum interpreters will share a presentation on September 26, 2026, to explore this first constitution and its impact on the structure of Delaware government.

William Penn Day 2026
2026-10-24 10:00 - 16:00
The New Castle Court House will celebrate William Penn’s landing at New Castle. You are welcome to visit through out the day (11-4) to learn about William Penn’s connection to Delaware.
They will host Iron Hill Science Center at 10 am to speak about the what Europeans like William Penn would have encountered here in Delaware.
At 2pm they will host the Suzuki Academy from the Delaware Music School to play some Baroque music that would have been played in William Penn’s time.

Loyalty and Zeal
2026-11-06 18:00 - 19:00
Join Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, a citizen and cultural ambassador of the Pocomoke Indian Nation, for a talk about the contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Algonkian peoples during the War of American Independence.
Learn about the material culture and trade of Algonkian people during the revolution. Discover the complex political paths of patriotism, Toryism, and neutrality that shaped the history of Algonkian and Iroquois people and the contributions and choices they made to preserve their ways of life.
