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Amstel House Museum: A Glimpse into Colonial Delaware

Discover colonial life at the Amstel House Museum in New Castle, DE. Explore period furnishings, and the stories of Delaware's past.

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The Amstel House Museum, built in the 1730s, offers a captivating look into the lives of prominent families in colonial New Castle, Delaware. This well-preserved Georgian mansion showcases original woodwork, period furnishings, and intriguing stories of the people who shaped the town's history.

A brief summary to Amstel House Museum

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets at the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal before heading to the Amstel House.
  • Check the New Castle Historical Society's website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and special events.
  • Allow at least 45 minutes for a guided tour of the Amstel House.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Dutch House for a comprehensive look at New Castle's history.
  • Explore the historic district's cobblestone streets and other attractions, such as the New Castle Court House Museum and Battery Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal, walk east on Delaware Street towards Market Street. Turn right onto Market Street and walk one block south to E 4th Street. Turn left onto E 4th Street; the Amstel House Museum will be on your right at 2 E 4th Street. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. Free on-street parking is available throughout New Castle.

  • Public Transport

    From the Wilmington train station, take the DART First State bus Route 1 towards New Castle. Get off at the stop on E. 4th St. Walk east on E. 4th St. for about 0.2 miles, and you will find the Amstel House Museum at 2 E 4th St, New Castle, DE 19720 on your right. A single ride on DART First State bus is $2.00.

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Discover more about Amstel House Museum

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.

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