New Castle Court House Museum
Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House Museum previously 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.
The New Castle Court House, located in the heart of the historic City of New Castle, Delaware, is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the United States and a registered National Historic Landmark. The original 1732 court is built over the remains of the 1680s courthouse, with additions and modifications throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. All jurisdictions of Delaware’s courts, and including the federal courts, have met in this building. The state courts removed to the City of Wilmington in 1881 with the changing of the county seat, but occasional court sessions and proceedings are still held here.
The New Castle Court House is also Delaware’s first capital building and meeting place for the colonial and first state Assembly. On June 15, 1776, the legislature passed a resolution to separate from Pennsylvania and Great Britain, creating the Delaware State.
Two months later, September 20, 1776, the first constitution for the Delaware State was adopted. In 1777, the capital moved to Dover.
Exhibits and Displays
The Path to Freedom: A History of the Underground Railroad in Delaware
Exhibit telling the harrowing story of one family’s escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Learn about the family and the challenges they, and many other runaways, faced. Explore the lives of famous abolitionists and the consequences they faced in helping runaway slaves.
Three Forts,
One Community
Exhibit highlights the cultural and social impacts the Swedish, Dutch and English settlements had on the present day town of New Castle. Also highlighted is the trade and relationships they had with the local Lenni Lenape tribes including an interactive table with popular trade goods such as beaver fur.
Visitor Information
Admission
The museum is open to the public and admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Saturday: 10AM – 4PM
Sunday: 1:30PM – 4:30PM
The Court House will have limited hours on February 15th due to prescheduled group.
The Court House will be closed February 28 for Staff Professional Development.
Tours
Meet at the museum front entrance.
Wednesday – Saturday: 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM
Sunday: 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
*Private tours and events can change the schedule. Calling ahead is recommended.
The Court House will have a 3pm tour on February 15th due to preschedule group.
The Court House will have no tours on February 28 for Staff Professional Development.
*Large group tours require reservation. Call (302) 323-4453 to schedule a group tour.
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 mobility concerns. Please call 302-323-4453 for assistance with accessible entrance.
Contact
Phone: (302) 323-4453
Email: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov