Amstel House Museum: A Glimpse into Colonial Delaware

Step back in time at the Amstel House Museum, an elegant brick, early Georgian mansion that stands as one of New Castle's few surviving early colonial buildings. Built in 1738 by Dr. John Finney, a wealthy landowner, the house reflects the prosperity and refinement of the era. The Amstel House is known for its original woodwork, fine architectural details, and open hearth, with its early fanlight and central hallway marking some of the first uses of these features in the town. The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the Finney, Van Dyke, and Johns families, who played significant roles in New Castle's history. Nicholas Van Dyke, the seventh governor of Delaware, resided here, and the house was a gathering place for prominent figures, including George Washington, who attended the wedding of Van Dyke's daughter in 1784. The house is furnished with many of the Van Dyke and Johns families' personal possessions, offering a personal connection to the past. In the 18th century, the Amstel House was also home to enslaved, indentured, and hired workers. The stories of these individuals, including Hannah and Betty, provide a more complete picture of life in colonial Delaware. The Amstel House underwent renovation by Delaware architect and preservationist Laussat Rogers around 1905. The result is a historic house museum that is a vivid illustration of the cultural phenomenon of the Colonial Revival, and of the rich and complex history of New Castle's preservation initiatives. Today, the Amstel House Museum is operated by the New Castle Historical Society and is open for guided tours from April through December. Visitors can explore the house's rooms, admire the period furnishings, and learn about the people who lived and worked here. Special events, such as A Day in Old New Castle, The Hauntings Tour, and Spirit of Christmas, offer unique opportunities to experience the museum.