Three Local Museums Pass along the History of New Castle

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When it comes to the history of New Castle, there is only one way to experience it: first hand. Travelers far and near make their way to Delaware to stroll down the historic brick paths of gardens near the cobblestone streets and the quaint shopping district, you can feel a combination of the old and the new.

As one of the earliest homes in the area to be restored, you can feel the history as you walk through the home once owned by Dr. John Finney. The Amstel House was also a place where the governor lived and where prominent people like George Washington and a few of the Declaration of Independence signers.

Built in the 1730’s the home, which is over 200 years old, still stands, in part, because of the New Castle Historical Society, which named the Amstel House a landmark of the area and the “First Grand Mansion of Delaware.” To accent the large, beautiful, brick exterior, the interior of the home features fancy woodwork and architecture, an open hearth, and a central hallway.

After passing the home on to his children, the property eventually became the home of the 7th Governor of Delaware and later the home of Governor Thomas Stockton. Once the home began a restoration and renovation period in 1915, it became part of the historic house museum in 1929.

Soon after the Amstel Home was preserved, the Dutch House, an “Early Colonial Gem,” was also added to the collection. Unlike the mansion, the Dutch House is a clear representation of homes held by Dutch, English, Swedish, and Finnish settlers and traders in the late 17th century.

It is believed that the Dutch House underwent three periods. Visitors will be able to see faint traces of these periods, which first include the timber-framed, one-story, one-room home. The second period, add a lean-to and divided the large room into two, smaller spaces.

Shortly after the first round of renovations, the Dutch House underwent extensive changes, which included adding a cellar by raising the home off the foundation and adding brick to three sides of the home. A second story was also added to the property at that time.

The old Library Museum, a hexagonal brick library built in 1892 also joins the Dutch House and Amstel House as part of the New Castle Historical Tour. The Old Library Museum is the main location for visitors to view the ever-changing exhibits of the NCHS. As part of the New Castle Historical Society, visitors and vacationers alike are guaranteed that the homes are restored with the proper type and period of furnishings, which completes the charm of each piece of property.