Travel writers tell us that Old New Castle is home to more museums and historic buildings than
any comparably sized town in the United States; and they are probably right. You will experience
the past with every step that you take, but the nine museums and buildings listed below are a
great way to start.
NEW CASTLE MUSEUMS & HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The Old Library Museum
40 E. 3rd Street
Phone: 302.322.2794
Website: www.newcastlehistory.org
This is where the New Castle Historical Society mounts new exhibits. The hexagon brick structure was built in 1892 to house the collections of the New Castle Library Company. It is an example of a rare, original work by architect Frank Furness of Philadelphia. Its charm and extensive original interior woodwork as well as its soaring skylight will stir your imagination!
Read More.
TM
Did You Know...
The Amstel House
is reportedly haunted
by a ghost known as
The Lady in Blue
The Amstel House
2 E. 4th Street
Phone: 302.322.2794
Website: www.newcastlehistory.org
Among New Castle's few surviving early colonial buildings is the elegant brick, early Georgian mansion, the Amstel House. Built in the 1730's by the town's wealthiest landowner, Dr. John Finney, the house is graced with original woodwork, fine architectural
details and an open hearth. Its early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in the town. Read More.
The Dutch House
32 E. 3rd Street
Phone: 302.322.9168
Website: www.newcastlehistory.org
Facing The Green, this diminutive Dutch House traces its origins to the late 17th century when New Castle was a bustling port for Dutch, English, Swedish and Finnish settlers and traders. When you walk through its doorway, you step back in time to the seafaring days of the late 17th century when New Castle was a young port. Read More.
New Castle Presbyterian Church
25 E. 3rd Street
Phone: 302.328.3279
Website: www.newcastlepreschurch.org
New Castle Presbyterians, as a congregation, stem from the first services of the Dutch Reformed (Calvinist) founders of New Castle. A clergyman of faith accompanied Peter Stuyvesant and his men in 1651 when they built Fort Casimir. This church was built in 1707 and was used for services until 1854. After World War II it was restored to its original appearance. Read More.
Immanuel Episcopal Church
On The Green
The Strand and Harmony Streets
Phone: 302.328.2413
Website: www.ImmanuelOnTheGreen.org
Founded in 1689, Immanuel Church is one of the oldest parishes in the United States. Work on the church building began in 1703 and was completed in 1708. Many visitors are drawn to the small graveyard that surrounds the church. A close inspection will reveal that many of the graves date from the 18th century. Observant visitors will see a number of Revolutionary War Veterans buried there and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Read More.
The Velocipede Museum
414 Delaware Street
Phone:
Website: www.TheVelocipede.com
This museum is all about bicycles, tricycles, "boneshakers" and other "bikes" dating from the 1860's to the mid 1960's. It is truly unique and should not be missed during your visit. In addition to an impressive collection of "bikes", other displays include advertising memorabilia, books, pamphlets and related literature in the museum's library. Collections for viewing include period bells, lamps, wheels, signage and an interactive display of a 48" Boneshaker.
Read More.
Ticket Office
New Castle/Frenchtown Railroad
Battery Park
Delaware Street
This railroad served as a major transportation byway between North and South, by connecting the Delaware Valley and points North with the head of the Chesapeake Bay and points to the South. The cargo was pulled by the steam locomotive, "Delaware", and it operated in the pre-Civil War period. The ticket office was constructed in 1832.
The Read House and Gardens
42 The Strand
Phone: 302.322.8411
Website: www.hsd.org
The Federal style Read House was built in 1801 by the son of George Read, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Its formal garden was designed in 1847. Twelve rooms, three in the Colonial Revival style, and the formal gardens are open to the public. Read More.
Old New Castle Court House
211 Delaware Street
Phone: 302.323.4453
Website: Court House Museum
Built in 1732, the Court House served as the meeting place for Delaware's colonial assembly from 1732 to 1777 when New Castle was Delaware's capital. Tour topics include Delaware boundaries, colonial history, slavery and abolition. The Declaration of Independence was read to residents of New Castle from the second floor balcony. Read More.
The Bellanca Airfield Museum
Rte 273 & Centerpoint Boulevard, New Castle
(1/2 mile west of Delaware St. - Next to Amazon Distirbution Center
The Bellanca airfield, aircraft plant, and service hangar were built in 1928 by Italian immigrant and aviation pioneer Giuseppe Bellanca and Henry B. duPont. Bellanca’s plane, the Columbia, was Charles Lindbergh’s choice for a Trans-Atlantic crossing, but he was unable to secure its use. Two weeks after Lindbergh’s flight, Columbia was flown non-stop to Berlin, a world record 3,911 miles. Bellanca’s Miss Veedol flew the first Trans-Pacific flight in 1931. Over the years his planes established numerous records for altitude, endurance, and speed. Between 1928 and 1954, approximately 3,000 aircraft were produced here. Learn More…
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