
Join historical interpreters in 18th-century clothing as you walk through Dover’s historic Green and learn about the lives and times of the people who lived here across three centuries.
Tour the grand, Georgian-style building that has been home to Delaware’s General Assembly since 1933. Guided tours are offered most days throughout the year.
The Old State House is part of the First State National Historical Park. Visit the Old State House—Delaware’s first permanent capital building—to receive your National Park passport stamp.
Experience Dover with only your lantern to light the way. Hear true stories of historic Dover in generations past. These reservation-only tours are offered on select Thursday and Friday nights in the spring, summer, and fall.
The First State Heritage Park is Delaware's first urban "park without boundaries" linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. It is a partnership of state and city agencies under the leadership of Delaware State Parks.
On the First Saturday of each month, we want to welcome citizens and guests of Dover with a series of thematic programs and events. There is something new every month! Programs at all First State Heritage Park sites. Check the calendar for details. While the major park attractions are open throughout the week, a variety of special programs and events are developed at each site for the first Saturday of each month, some buildings, like Governor's House at Woodburn and Courtroom# 1 at the Kent County Courthouse, are only open to the public on this day or by appointment.
First State Heritage Park's 18th Century Market Fair brings the past to life each November, with woodworkers and weavers, horners, blacksmiths and brewers, charlatans and shepherds, soldiers, seamstresses, soapmakers and more displaying their skills and their wares on Dover's historic Green.
121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
The Welcome Center offers free parking, information about First State Heritage Park programs and events, a gallery of changing exhibits on Delaware history and a rotating display of Delaware's founding documents.
Currently closed - Visit the John Bell House for First State Heritage Park information
406 Federal Street
This independent, non-profit museum boasts an outstanding collection of 18th- through 21st-century Delaware and American fine and decorative arts.
Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited occupancy
$10 General Admission. Free for all members.
Call (302)674-2111 for other rates and discounts
151 Kings Highway
Woodburn, the home of Delaware's governors since 1965, was built around 1798. Next door is the Victorian-era Hall House, which serves as the Governor's guest house.
Tours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
121 Martin Luther King J. Blvd. North
Delaware's Public Archives, one of the oldest archives in the country, contain materials from the 17th century to today.
Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Center
Monday - Friday, by appointment only
43 The Green
The oldest wooden structure on The Green serves as the interpretive center for the First State Heritage Park, where visitors can learn about the history of Dover and take thematic walking tours around Dover’s historic Green.
Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walking tours leave hourly from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
375 S. New Street
A premier collection of its kind, displaying sound recording industry items dating from the 1890's through 1929. The museum honors Eldridge Reeves Johnson of Dover, who founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901.
Wednesday - Saturday, by appointment only
411 Legislative Avenue
A Georgian-style structure that has been home to Delaware's General Assembly since 1933.
Currently closed
Group tours require advance scheduling. Please call (302) 739-9194. Visit Legislative Hall
25 The Green
Delaware's first permanent capitol building completed in 1791 on Dover's historic Green. The State House was the home of Delaware's General Assembly until 1933.
Wednesday - Sunday, by appointment only
There are currently no programs scheduled at this location