Image: Old State House Senate Chamber

Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. With additions and modifications, the building continued to serve as the state capitol until 1933.

Museum History

More information about the history of the The Old State House

Photo Gallery

Gallery of the The Old State House

Admission

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

Parking

Free, but limited, street parking is available in front of, and around, the State House

Accessibility

The first floor of the State House is accessible to people with disabilities.

Phase II Reopening FAQ

Tours of The Old State House 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 Old State House at 302-744-5054

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 Old State 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 who can be on a tour is six. One to three 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.

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

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. & 3:30 p.m.
All days and times by advance reservations only
Call 302-744-5054 for a reservation

Touring the Old State House

Tours take place throughout normal operating hours. However, large groups that are interested in attending a tour must make reservations in advance by calling the First State Heritage Park Reservation Line at (302) 739-9194. List of available Group Tours.

Address

25 The Green
Dover, DE 19901

Contact Information

Phone: (302) 744-5054
Email: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov
Group tour reservations: (302) 739-9194

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