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

Explore 17th-century colonial life at the Dutch House Museum, one of Delaware's oldest homes, filled with period furnishings and unique artifacts.

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Step back in time at the Dutch House Museum, one of the oldest houses in Delaware, offering a glimpse into 17th-century colonial life with its Dutch Colonial and European antiques. Despite its name, the house reflects English building traditions with some Netherlandish qualities.

A brief summary to Dutch House Museum

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

Local tips

  • Check the New Castle Historical Society website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and special events.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Amstel House to get a broader perspective on New Castle's history.
  • Explore the historic New Castle district, with its cobblestone streets and 17th-century buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dutch House Museum is located in the heart of historic New Castle, easily accessible on foot from other nearby attractions. From the New Castle Court House Museum on Delaware Street, walk east on East Third Street for two blocks. The Dutch House will be on your right. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State Bus Route 15 connects Wilmington to New Castle. From the Wilmington Transit Center, take Route 15 and get off at 3rd St & Delaware St. Walk east on E 3rd St for about 5 minutes to reach the Dutch House Museum. A one-way fare is approximately $2.00.

  • Driving

    If driving from Wilmington, take I-95 N to I-295 N. Take exit 4 for DE-273 E toward New Castle. Continue on DE-273 E, then merge onto US-13 S. Take the exit toward New Castle and merge onto S. Dupont Highway/US-13 S. Continue on US-13 S, then turn right onto E 3rd St. The museum will be on your right. Street parking is available, but fees may apply. Parking costs can vary, but expect to pay around $1-$2 per hour.

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Discover more about Dutch House Museum

The Dutch House Museum, located in historic New Castle, Delaware, offers visitors a unique window into the region's colonial past. Constructed in the late 17th century, the house is considered one of the oldest in Delaware, though its name is misleading as it was built using English methods. The museum showcases a collection of Dutch Colonial and European antiques, reflecting the lifestyles of early settlers in the area. Originally a one-story, timber-framed structure, the house has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1823, a full second floor was added, and the house was remodeled in the Federal style. The house served various purposes, including a rental property and a storehouse, before being acquired by the Delaware Society for the Preservation of Antiquities in 1937. Louise du Pont Crowninshield, a prominent preservationist, assembled the objects on exhibit. Today, the Dutch House is managed by the New Castle Historical Society and open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the furnished rooms and examine artifacts that reflect the traditions and lifestyle of early America. The museum provides a tangible connection to the seafaring days of New Castle's past, allowing visitors to experience the warmth and charm of a bygone era. The Dutch House is a property of national significance for what it reveals about the earliest European building traditions in North America. Its mystique has intrigued visitors and townspeople alike for more than three centuries.

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