Amstel House Museum: A Colonial Gem

The Amstel House Museum, located in the historic town of New Castle, Delaware, offers a captivating glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. Built in 1738 by Dr. John Finney, a wealthy landowner, this elegant brick Georgian mansion showcases the architectural style and refinement of the era. The house is distinguished by its original woodwork, fine architectural details, and open hearth, providing a vivid illustration of the cultural phenomenon of the Colonial Revival. The Amstel House has a rich history, having been home to several prominent New Castle citizens, including members of the Van Dyke, Johns, Bird, and Burnham families. Notably, Nicholas Van Dyke, who would eventually become the seventh governor of Delaware, resided here. The house also played a role in Delaware's revolutionary efforts, with George Washington even visiting for the wedding of Van Dyke's daughter in 1784. From 1832 to 1904, the Amstel House was passed through four generations of a single family deeply involved in the town's commerce and office holding class. The last owner from this family, noted environmentalist John Bird Burnham, was born here in 1869. In June 1929, the New Castle Historical Society bought the Amstel House for a museum, saving it from imminent destruction. Today, the museum features a collection of colonial artifacts and offers guided tours that delve into the stories of the families who lived here and the events that shaped the region.