New Castle Court House Museum

Image: New Castle County Courthouse Museum

Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State.

Museum History

More information about the history of the New Castle Court House

Photo Gallery

Gallery of the Old New Castle Courthouse

Admission

The museum is open to the public and admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

Parking

Street parking is available in downtown New Castle within walking distance of the museum.

Accessibility

The first floor of the court house is accessible to people with disabilities.

Phase II Reopening FAQ

Tours of the New Castle Court House Museum are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and on Sundays at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Forty-five minutes. Please arrive on time because the end of the tour cannot be extended due to the time needed to clean the museum between tours.

Yes, reservations are required. They are free, and available by calling the New Castle Court House Museum at 302-323-4453.

No, reservations are only available over the phone at this time.

Yes, all visitors and staff must properly wear a cloth face covering at all times while at the museum. Everyone must keep a proper distance of at least six feet from anyone in the building who is not a part of their household. Please follow the instructions of museum staff members, especially when entering and exiting the building. Please do not touch anything in the museum unless it is absolutely necessary.

Once you arrive, please wait in the designated visitor area outside the museum. A museum staff member will be outside to greet you five minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Restrooms are not available at the New Castle Court House. Please use the facilities prior to your arrival.

Tours are guided by a historic-site interpreter with options for self-guiding in some areas of the building.

The maximum number of people that can be on a tour is six. One or two households can be on the tour at the same time as long as the total number of people on the tour does not exceed six.

We are considering one household to consist of people who have been living together during the lockdown. You do not have to be related to be considered part of the same household. Family members who live in separate locations do not count as one household.

All hands-on activities have been removed for safety at this time, including the passport stamp. It will return to the museum when it is safe to do so.

Absolutely! Please visit the Delaware Digital History Museum, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Hours of Operation – Phase II Reopening

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – Tours at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sunday – Tours at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Advance reservations required for all days and times by calling 302-323-4453

Museum Tours

Tours of the museum are available throughout the day. However, tours for large groups require prior reservations. Please contact the museum at (302) 323-4453 to schedule a group tour. For more information on group tours and exhibits, go to our Group Tours and Exhibits and Displays pages.

Address

211 Delaware St.
New Castle, DE 19720

Contact Information

Phone: (302) 323-4453
Email: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov