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Old Town Hall: A Glimpse into Wilmington's Past

Explore Wilmington's history at the Old Town Hall, a beautifully preserved Federal-style building that once served as the heart of the city's civic life.

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The Old Town Hall, built in 1798, stands as a testament to Wilmington's rich history. Styled after Philadelphia's Congress Hall, this Federal-style building served as the city's political and social hub for over a century, hosting town meetings, trials, and even laying in state Henry Clay. Today, it's a museum showcasing Delaware's past.

A brief summary to Old Town Hall

  • Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Admission to the Old Town Hall is included with admission to the Delaware History Museum and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage.
  • The Old Town Hall is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
  • Don't miss the original bronze bell from the Old Town Hall, now located across the street.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Old Town Hall is located in downtown Wilmington at 512 N Market St. From the intersection of Market Street and 4th Street, walk north on Market Street for approximately three blocks. The Old Town Hall will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State buses serve the Wilmington area. From the Wilmington Transit Center, take any bus that travels north on Market Street. Get off at the 'Market St & 6th St' stop. Walk north on Market Street for approximately three blocks. The Old Town Hall will be located on your left at 512 N Market St. A one-way bus fare is $2.00.

  • Driving

    The Old Town Hall is located at 512 N Market St in downtown Wilmington. From I-95, take the Martin Luther King Boulevard Exit #6. Follow the signs for downtown. Street parking is available, with metered parking costing $1.25 to $1.75 per hour. Parking garages are also available in the area, with hourly rates ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 and daily maximums around $10 to $15. The 8th Street Lot is located near the Old Town Hall and has a maximum daily rate of $9.00.

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Discover more about Old Town Hall

Step back in time at the Old Town Hall, a beautifully preserved Federal-style building that once served as the heart of Wilmington's civic life. Constructed in 1798, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city and a center for political and social activity for nearly a century. Styled after Philadelphia's Congress Hall, the Old Town Hall is a reminder of the early days of the United States. Inside, you can explore exhibits that delve into Wilmington's history, from its colonial beginnings to its role in the Industrial Revolution. The building housed the city government until 1916, witnessing countless town meetings, elections, and even criminal trials. Legend has it that lawbreakers feared the unheated basement cells. The Hall also hosted receptions and dinners for notables like the Marquis de Lafayette and President Andrew Jackson. The deaths of George Washington and Henry Clay were commemorated within its walls. The Delaware Historical Society acquired the building in 1917, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, the Old Town Hall is accessible via the Delaware History Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the First State's past. Don't miss the original bronze bell, cast in England and purchased in 1800, which once rang from the cupola to mark important events. It's now located across the street between the Simms House and the Library.

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