Tag: Read House & Gardens

From the Vault: George Washington & George Read II

Step into history on April 16 with a close look at a rare document from the Delaware Historical Society’s collections: George Read II’s 1789 commission as the first U.S. Attorney for the district of Delaware, personally signed by George Washington. Washington appointed Read to the position, and this document is important to understanding Read’s legal career. The commission document was donated to Delaware Historical Society by Anne Cooch Doran and Judge Richard R. Cooch.

Tickets $10 / Free for Delaware Historical Society members. Register here.

From the Vault: George Washington & George Read II

Step into history on April 3 with a close look at a rare document from the Delaware Historical Society’s collections: George Read II’s 1789 commission as the first U.S. Attorney for the district of Delaware, personally signed by George Washington. Washington appointed Read to the position, and this document is important to understanding Read’s legal career. The commission document was donated to Delaware Historical Society by Anne Cooch Doran and Judge Richard R. Cooch.

Tickets $10 / Free for Delaware Historical Society members. Register here.

These Houses Were Homes: 5 Generations of Black Community in Old New Castle

Join us for an immersive learning experience as we walk through Old New Castle and discuss the history and culture of generations of Black families who lived and worked there.

The 2026 tours expand upon Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers’ research at the Read House on the African American population of Old New Castle with additional source materials, a revamped route and accompanying map, and a special focus on the time period from 1776-1876.

Tickets $25. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/these-houses-were-homes-2026

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To enhance the enjoyment of all participants, we kindly request that walking tour registrants be at least 12 years old. Please note that the historic neighborhoods in Old New Castle feature uneven walkways that may not be suitable for those needing mobility assistance. 

These Houses Were Homes: 5 Generations of Black Community in Old New Castle

Join us for an immersive learning experience as we walk through Old New Castle and discuss the history and culture of generations of Black families who lived and worked there.

The 2026 tours expand upon Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers’ research at the Read House on the African American population of Old New Castle with additional source materials, a revamped route and accompanying map, and a special focus on the time period from 1776-1876.

Tickets $25. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/these-houses-were-homes-2026

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To enhance the enjoyment of all participants, we kindly request that walking tour registrants be at least 12 years old. Please note that the historic neighborhoods in Old New Castle feature uneven walkways that may not be suitable for those needing mobility assistance. 

In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled for March 7 from 1-3 p.m. or registration may be transferred to another February tour, space permitting. 

*SOLD OUT* These Houses Were Homes: 5 Generations of Black Community in Old New Castle

This tour is full. Please join us for one of our other tour dates. 

Join us for an immersive learning experience as we walk through Old New Castle and discuss the history and culture of generations of Black families who lived and worked there.

The 2026 tours expand upon Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers’ research at the Read House on the African American population of Old New Castle with additional source materials, a revamped route and accompanying map, and a special focus on the time period from 1776-1876.

Tickets $25. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/these-houses-were-homes-2026

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To enhance the enjoyment of all participants, we kindly request that walking tour registrants be at least 12 years old. Please note that the historic neighborhoods in Old New Castle feature uneven walkways that may not be suitable for those needing mobility assistance. 

In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled for March 7 from 1-3 p.m. or registration may be transferred to another February tour, space permitting. 

These Houses Were Homes: 5 Generations of Black Community in Old New Castle

Join us for an immersive learning experience as we walk through Old New Castle and discuss the history and culture of generations of Black families who lived and worked there.

The 2026 tours expand upon Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers’ research at the Read House on the African American population of Old New Castle with additional source materials, a revamped route and accompanying map, and a special focus on the time period from 1776-1876.

Tickets $25. Register here: https://dhs.givecloud.co/these-houses-were-homes-2026

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To enhance the enjoyment of all participants, we kindly request that walking tour registrants be at least 12 years old. Please note that the historic neighborhoods in Old New Castle feature uneven walkways that may not be suitable for those needing mobility assistance.

In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled for March 7 from 1-3 p.m. or registration may be transferred to another February tour, space permitting. 

A Day in Old New Castle

Celebrate A Day in Old New Castle!

The New Castle community is proud to host A Day in Old New Castle, an annual celebration of New Castle heritage and history. A Day in Old New Castle is the country’s oldest open house and garden tour event, with many private residences and gardens open to the public for this special occasion. The Read House is excited to take part this year with free house admission* and all day tours, where we’ll be reflecting on the historical identity of New Castle and the Read Houses’ unique narrative within it.

The Delaware Historic Society is also excited for Family & Community Day, happening May 20th at the Read House & Gardens. In partnership with our friends at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, the Read House will be hosting family story time in the gardens, alongside the town’s Day in Old New Castle events. Family & Community Day will be free to all who choose to participate, and we welcome families to join in the local festivities around town during their time in New Castle.

For more information, please visit https://www.historicnewcastle.com/

 

*included with admission to A Day in Old New Castle

Delaware Historical Society’s Digital Collections Go Live!

February 1, 2022 – One of our most frequently asked questions is how to view Delaware Historical Society (DHS) collections online. Now you can!

Today, our digital collections go live! Search our new digital asset management system (DAMS) from your favorite device wherever you are with access to the internet. Check out what we have digitized. More will be added each month, so continue to come back for updates!

After more than a year of hard work and some help from our friends in the JP Morgan Chase Force for Good program, we’re thrilled to invite you in to explore amazing images and documents from our digital collections, with more to come. We believe in making our collections accessible and open to anyone who wants to use them. This allows us to connect and share resources with you and visitors around the world.

Visit digital.dehistory.org and explore the rest of dehistory.org to see other resources we have available!