New Castle Court House Museum
Visitors to the New Castle Court House Museum learn about Delaware's colonial and state history and early system of law and government.
Group Tours
Tours and other interpretive programs take place throughout normal operating hours. However, large groups that are interested in attending a tour must make reservations in advance by emailing the site supervisor or calling 302-323-4453.
The following topics are available for group tours:
Delaware History
Delaware First Tour
(Student grades K-3; 60 minutes)
A hands-on program that presents "first facts" and significant events that first happened in New Castle and Delaware. Students review Delaware history from, the Native Americans to the beginnings of the United States. Teachers can download Pastport, a classroom post-tour activity for students.
Where the State Began
(Student grades 4-12/Adults; 60 minutes)
An overview of Delaware Native Americans, European colonization, colonial settlements, early state and national history and hand-on exploration through art, objects, artifacts, historical documents, and maps. There is an emphasis on the significance of the Court House in early government and the establishment of the state boundaries. Teachers can download Pastport, a classroom post-tour activity for students.
New Castle Court House and Green Architectural Tour
(Student grades 4 -5; 60 minutes)
This program acquaints students with historical buildings and the Green, comparing architectural period, styles, uses and historical context.
African American and Underground Railroad History
Follow the Drinking Gourd
(Students K-3; 30 minutes)
An introduction to the Underground Railroad to young students using the book Follow the Drinking Gourd. Students use a felt board and figures to illustrate run-away slaves following the North Star. Students complete a star chart activity.
Emeline's Journey: Flight to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
(Students 4-12/Adults; 30 minutes)
An interactive overview of enslavement and abolition in Delaware told through the compelling story of enslaved Emeline Hawkins and her family, and their escape for freedom on the Underground Railroad. Visitors participate by "traveling on the journey with Emeline" by way of an interactive exhibit and activities.
Free or Slave: Document Analysis
(Student grades 4-6; 45 minutes)
Students review and interpret primary resource materials dealing with slavery, manumission, and abolitionist activities.
Law and Government
Rights, Rules, and Privileges
(Student grades 1-5; 30 minutes)
This program explores the differences between rights, rules and privileges and the need for government and laws.
The 1787 Manslaughter Trial of William White
(Student grades 4-5)
Students role play an historic adaptation of the Delaware manslaughter trial of William White. After hearing witnesses, the jury will determine the guilt or innocence of Mr. White remembering they do not have the benefits of modern forensics.
The Case of Stolen Mercantile Money: Delaware vs. Isaac Loftland 1800
(Student grades 4-5; 45 minutes)
Students re-enact the trial of Isaac Loftland, a business man accused of stealing money. Students will be given information about the courts in the 1800 and the legal status of enslaved people. After hearing testimonies, the jury will determine the verdict of the accused before learning the true outcome of the trial.
The 1848 Federal Trial of Thomas Garrett
(Student grades 7-12; 40 minutes)
Student role-play the 1848 Federal trial of Thomas Garrett, accused of helping the enslaved Hawkins family escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.
School group tours complement Delaware's Social Studies Content Standards.
Walking Tours
New Castle Green Walking Tour
(Adults; 60 minutes)
In the last 250 years, the New Castle Green had been the site of everything from prisons to picnics, schoolhouses and stately elms, home of the county courts and first state capitol. The Green today is a product of all of these influences and more. A guided walk through its historic past and fascinating present. Reservations required.
Special Events
April
First Annual New Castle Citywide Yard Sale and Open Acoustic Jam
April 25, 2009
Historic Green in Old New Castle
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
In addition to the yard sale, a scavenger hunt, prizes, music, food and discounts from area merchants will be available. Sponsored by the Historic New Castle Alliance. For more information and registration forms email: HistoricalNewCastleAlliance@gmail.com or call (302) 323-4453.
May
Architectural Salvage and Antique Sale
May 2, 2009
Historic Green in Old New Castle
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with a live auction at 3:00 p.m.
Proceeds benefit the New Castle Library Expansion. Hardware, doors, windows, ironworks, mantels, and unique items salvaged from renovations. Furniture and more donated by local residents. Sponsored by Friends of New Castle Library. For more information call: (302) 328-1995.
A Day in Old New Castle House and Garden Tour
May 16, 2009
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
This annual town event is the oldest house and garden tour in the nation. Activities include museum tours, carriage rides, re-enactments, music, dancing, food, and archaeology activities. Visit www.dayinoldnewcastle.org or call 302-323-4453 for more information.
June
Separation Day
June 13, 2009
11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Celebrating Delaware's 233rd birthday. This annual event commemorates Delaware's declaration of independence from Great Britain and Pennsylvania. This day long, citywide event includes a morning parade, rides, music, food, encampments, arts and crafts, and concert and fireworks in the evening. Free admission. For more information call (302) 323-4453 or visit www.newcastlecity.org.
December
New Castle Spirit of Christmas, a town-wide holiday event of music, holiday decorations, and special tours, and food. Held annually on the second Saturday in December. For more information call 302-323-4453 or visit www.newcastlepreschurch.org.
