Amstel House Museum: A Glimpse into New Castle's Past

Step back in time at the Amstel House Museum, an elegant brick mansion that embodies New Castle's rich colonial history. Built in 1738 by Dr. John Finney, a wealthy landowner, this Georgian-style home boasts original woodwork, fine architectural details, and an open hearth. The house is named after New Amstel, the 17th-century Dutch settlement that preceded New Castle. The Amstel House has been home to several prominent New Castle citizens, including members of the Van Dyke, Johns, Bird, and Burnham families. Notably, Nicholas Van Dyke, the seventh governor of Delaware, resided here, and George Washington is said to have attended a wedding at the house in 1784. The museum also acknowledges the enslaved, indentured, and hired workers who contributed to the lifestyle of the families who lived here, with ongoing research to uncover their stories. In 1929, the New Castle Historical Society saved the Amstel House from potential destruction and transformed it into a museum. Today, visitors can explore the house's rooms, filled with colonial artifacts, including furniture that belonged to the Van Dyke family. The museum offers guided tours that delve into the history of the house, its residents, and the town's past.