First State National Historical Park
New Castle, DE 19720
First State National Historical Park
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone Number: 302-478-2769 Voice
Email Address: firststate@nps.gov
Description: We appreciate your patience as we are receiving an increase in inquiries and will respond as quickly as we can.
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
park designation:National Historical Park
First State National Historical Park is made up of six individual sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that explore early settlement through the ratification of the US Constitution. Please visit the individual pages for directions or hours of operation.
For detailed directions, please visit this link.
Directions
The park's welcome center is a great place to start your trip to understand how six individual sites can make up one National Park Unit. Inside the Welcome Center is a small theater, exhibits, and either a volunteer or Park Ranger who can answer any questions you may have.
The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00AM to 4:00PM and Sunday 1:30PM to 4:30PM with tours being offered every hour.
Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm with the last tour starting at 2:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free. Self-Guided Cemetery Tour, $5. Old Swedes Historic Site is a partner organization to the National Park Service and does not receive NPS funds. As such, they cannot honor National Parks Annual Passes. You can book your tour by visiting their website.
*During the Summer* Fort Christina is open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm; with special hours on the following holidays: Memorial Day (Monday, May 27, 10:00am-4:00pm), Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19, 10:00am-4:00pm), Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2, 10:00am-4:00pm). Visits by appointment are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, pending staff availability. Please call with any question at 302-429-7447
The Brandywine Valley is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access.
The Dover Green is open sunrise to sunset. The cancellation stamps are located at the Old State House. Free guided walking tours are available starting at the John Bell House (43 The Green) Thursday - Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Free guided tours of Legislative Hall are available Thursday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: OUTDOOR VISITATION ONLY. Grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call 302-739-3277.
For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.