Photo: NPS PhotoFirst State National Historical Park tells the remarkable story of how three European powers—Sweden, the Netherlands, and England—fought for control of the Delaware Valley, creating America's most diverse early colony. The park's six historic sites span from New Castle's colonial courthouse where Delaware's assembly met, to Old Swedes Church built in 1698 by Swedish settlers along the Christina River. Families discover how this small region became a laboratory for religious tolerance and independence, ultimately leading Delaware to become the very first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. Unlike other colonial sites that focus on English settlement, First State showcases the unique Swedish and Dutch influences that shaped early American culture.
Junior Ranger Program at First State National Historical Park
The Junior Ranger program at First State encourages kids to become history detectives as they explore colonial life, early American government, and Delaware's pivotal role in ratifying the Constitution. Through hands-on activities and interactive booklets, young rangers discover what life was like in America's earliest settlements while earning their official badge.
- Walk through the same courthouse where Delaware declared independence
- Learn about colonial trades like blacksmithing and pottery making
- Explore multiple historic sites across two states in one visit
Program Details
Best Ages for First State National Historical Park
Ages 4–8
Little ones love the interactive elements of colonial life demonstrations and exploring the old courthouse rooms. The program works well for this age when families take their time at each site rather than rushing through all locations. Consider focusing on just New Castle Court House Museum for the youngest explorers.
Ages 9–12
This age group truly enjoys becoming history detectives as they piece together stories from different time periods across the park's sites. They can handle the booklet activities independently and appreciate learning about the conflicts between European powers for control of the region. The hands-on activities help them connect with colonial daily life.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults find the complex political history fascinating, especially Delaware's strategic role in early American independence. They can complete all booklet requirements and appreciate the deeper stories of religious tolerance and cultural diversity. The program offers enough substance to engage older participants who enjoy connecting historical dots across multiple sites.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Start at New Castle Court House Museum at 211 Delaware Street for the easiest street parking and orientation to the park's scattered sites. No reservations needed for most sites, but Old Swedes Historic Site requires advance booking for tours. The park operates on a touring system with hourly guided visits.
Van & RV Notes
New Castle offers good street parking for Sprinter vans near the courthouse, though watch for narrow colonial streets in the historic district. The park's multiple scattered locations make your van perfect as a mobile base camp to visit sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. No overnight camping available within park boundaries.
Best Time to Visit
March through November provides the best access to all sites, with summer months offering additional colonial demonstrations and living history programs. Old Swedes Historic Site closes January through early March, limiting winter visits. Weekends typically see the most tour availability and special programming.
How Long to Spend
Plan a full day to visit multiple park sites, though families can easily spend half a day just at New Castle Court House Museum and the surrounding historic area. The scattered nature of sites means travel time between locations if you want to experience the complete First State story.
Don't Miss
Walk the original colonial streets of New Castle where Delaware's assembly first met, and take the guided tour of the 1732 courthouse where crucial early American decisions were made. The Old Swedes Church cemetery tells fascinating stories of Swedish settlers who arrived before the Mayflower pilgrims, offering a completely different perspective on early American colonization.
Fun Facts for Kids
Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, doing so just 87 days after it was written
New Castle's courthouse was built in 1732 and still contains the original colonial assembly room where Delaware's government met
Swedish settlers built Old Swedes Church in 1698, making it one of the oldest churches in America still holding regular services
The park preserves sites from three different colonial powers—Sweden, the Netherlands, and England—all within the same small region
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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Independence National Historical Park
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
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