Three Museums in New Castle - Dutch House, Amstel House and Old Library Museum - New Castle, Delaware

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Three Museums in New Castle - Dutch House, Amstel House and Old Library Museum - New Castle, Delaware

These three museums tell the story of the town’s past and its people including the Dutch laborers and the British Colonial governors to the prominent American architects. The town shares its history from the founding in the 17^th century through the preservation efforts of the 21^st century.

They invite you to stay amid the old world charm of Old New Castle on the Delaware with its cobblestone streets, town green and quaint shopping district, huddle around the fireplace in the house of humble laborers and see where they slept at the end of the long day.  Take a stroll on the brick paths of early gardens of boxwood, perennials, and herbs.  There are guided tours for individual guests or groups which include an overview of the history of the houses, the families who lived at the sites, and collections contained within the museums.

The Dutch House was built in the late 17^th century.  You will experience the feel of the seafaring days of the late 17^th century in this house.  Enjoy the gleam of early pewter set at a hutch table.  Find out what a kas is (an unusual cupboard), spoon rack, 1714 Bible, and other artifacts that reflect the traditions and lifestyle of the time.

Visit the Amstel House which was built in the 1730s.  The house still has its original woodwork, fine architectural details and open hearth.  Its early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in town.  The history of this house is truly fascinating as are the people that lived there and visited there, including George Washington.

The Old Library Museum is a hexagonal brick structure that was built in 1892 to house the collections of the new Castle Library Company.  The original interior woodworking and soaring skylight are awe inspiring.

New Castle offers you an opportunity to truly visit history.  Sit on the banks of the Delaware River and reflect on the people that have formed our country that have visited the community such as William Penn, Sam Houston and Oseola.

Directions: New Castle is located approximately 7 miles South of Wilmington and 2 miles from the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

From I-95 (North or South) Take exit 5A, Delaware Route 141 South, continue past the Routes 13 & 40 overpass.  At the intersection of Routes 9 & 273 turn left onto Route 9 North.  Go ½ mile to the next traffic light and bear right onto Delaware Ste in to town.

From Route 13 (North or South) exit at Delaware Route 141 South, turn left onto Route 9 North.  Go ½ mile to the next traffic light and bear right onto Delaware Ste in to town.

From New Jersey take the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Delaware.  At the first exit after the toll, take Route 9 South into New Castle.  Follow Route 9 for about 2 miles.  At the first STOP sign go straight ahead into New Castle on Sixth Street (do not curve right when Route 9 curves.)  Turn left onto Delaware Street at the first traffic light.  Proceed to Fourth street and begin your historical journey.

Parking: Free on street parking is available throughout Historic New Castle.  Please note that some parking spaces are time limited as noted on nearby signs.

Address: 2 East Fourth Street, New Castle, Delaware 19720

Phone: 302-322-2794