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

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Explore colonial life at New Castle's Amstel House Museum, a beautifully preserved Georgian mansion with rich history and artifacts.

The Amstel House Museum, built in 1738, stands as New Castle's earliest remaining Georgian residence, showcasing the refined style of the town's prosperous colonial era. Once home to prominent figures like Dr. John Finney and Governor Nicholas Van Dyke, the house now serves as a museum, exhibiting colonial artifacts and architecture.

A brief summary to Amstel House Museum

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Amstel House Museum.

  • Purchase tickets at the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal, where you can also view an informational video before your tour.
  • The Amstel House tour is often combined with a tour of the nearby Dutch House; check the schedule for tour times at each location.
  • Consider visiting during special events like A Day in Old New Castle (May) or the Spirit of Christmas (December) for a unique experience.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Amstel House Museum is located in the heart of New Castle's historic district, easily accessible on foot from most points within the area. From the New Castle Court House Museum, walk east on Delaware Street, then turn right onto N. Read Street, then turn right onto E 4th St. The Amstel House will be on your left. Sidewalks in the historic area are brick and can be uneven.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State Route 15 bus serves New Castle. From the bus stop on Delaware Street, walk east on Delaware Street, then turn right onto N. Read Street, then turn right onto E 4th St. The Amstel House will be on your left. A single ride fare is $2.00 [https://www.dartfirststate.com/information/fares/].

  • Parking

    Street parking is available near the Amstel House Museum. Parking is also available in the public parking lot at The Strand and Chestnut Street. From the parking lot, walk north on The Strand, turn left onto E 4th St, and the Amstel House will be on your right.

Discover more about Amstel House Museum

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.

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