First State

https://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_State_National_Historical_Park First State National Historical Park lies primarily in the state of Delaware but which extends partly into Pennsylvania in Chadds Ford. The park covers the early colonial history of Delaware and the role Delaware played in the establishment of the nation, leading up to it being the first state to ratify the Constitution. It tells the unique story of the early settlement of the Delaware Valley by the Dutch, Swedes, Finns, and English and their relationship with Native Americans. It also seeks to preserve the cultural landscape of the Brandywine River Valley. Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence. First State National Historical Park is made up of six individual sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that explore early settlement through the ratification of the US Constitution. Please visit the individual pages for directions or hours of operation. Sheriff's House Welcome Center The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle inside the Sheriff’s House. The center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Exhibits in the center share nationally significant stories that shaped the nation’s first state through photos and audio-visual displays. Staff are also available to provide details about visiting partner sites throughout the state. The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle, Delaware. There is only street parking available on site. The Dover Green Red, yellow, and green leaves lay on the grass in front of a colonial building. Each fall, an 18th Century Market Fair is recreated to commemorate the original purpose of The Green. John Dickinson Plantation A view of the front of the John Dickinson House on the Plantation. John Dickinson is most famously known as the "Penman of the Revolution" at this site, visitors learn the stories of the many residents: tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children and the Dickinson family. Old Swedes Historic Site A brick bath leads to a door of an old church surrounded by vegetation. Old Swedes Historic Site contains burials that can be traced back to the original settlement of the Swedes. New Castle Court House Pews line the side of the room leading to the English style court room. The New Castle Court House Museum was the first court of Delaware and has seen a variety of significant moments in history. Brandywine Valley Rolling agricultural hills on a bright sunny day. The Brandywine Valley unit is most known for its recreational opportunities. Fort Christina A replica of the original Kalmar Nyckel ship sails by the monument at Fort Christina. This site commernmates the Swedes original landing and the fort that once stood in the area. Plaques, Plaques Everywhere! Historical markers help us remember places or moment that happened in a certain location. In this activity you will create your own marker to remember a special place, moment, or memory that has happened in your life! An example of a historical marker with a beach scene Know The Lingo! We recommend starting here to learn all the lingo you need to complete the other activities. These terms will help you understand the kinds of issues and concepts that are related to adventuring into the world of historic preservation and discovery! A graphic design of kids learning the word preservation Your Voice Matters: Stand Up For What You Believe In! Women fought for the right to vote for years before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. They did this by organizing themselves and getting others to follow them. In this activity you will learn about the 19th amendment and get a chance to create your own movement to help society. Are you up for the challenge? Example of a mascot that a Junior Ranger submitted saying that everyone should be able to travel. Do I Recycle or Upcycle? Discover how long it takes different materials to break down, and the importance of making sure we all do our part in protecting the Earth. Can you figure out how to reuse a piece of trash? A yogurt cup and a tin can, repurposed as planters. Create Your Own Ink As humans, we love to talk and interact with our friends, families, and community members but we didn't always have cellphones or snapchat. Instead if we couldn't see someone, we would write letters to each other using paper, ink, and a quill. In this activity you will get to create your own ink and writing tool using materials around the house! I Heart NPS on the left and a star on the right Be a Preservationist! Historic Preservation allows us to reflect, understand and appreciate our history to build connections to others and learn from the past. However, historic preservation does not just protect physical things such as buildings and places, it can include anything including art, food, and dance! Do you have something that you want to preserve forever? A Junior Ranger chose to preserve an ice rink because it is an important activity to them. Inspire Others John Dickinson became well known for his way with words after arguing that it was unfair for the British Government to tax goods being shipped to America. We challenge you to think of a rule you want changed and write a letter to your fellow country men and women to get them to stand behind you! Do you think you have what it takes to inspire those around you? A photo of a letter arguing that a child should not have to clear the table after dinner. Create a Fort The Dutch, Swedes, and Finns traveled across the North Atlantic Ocean and settled along the Delaware River and Bay in Delaware. Upon arrival they built forts, like the one pictured here, to protect themselves from intruders and to claim a piece of land. Do you have what it takes to create a fort? A sketch of a fort that one of our Junior Ranger made. National Park Getaway: First State National Historical Park Discover seven sites throughout Delaware that collectively tell stories of courageous historical figures, epic journeys, and ideas of freedom, conservation, and prosperity that shaped the nation's first state. Living history interpreters outside of the Ryves Holt House National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Making a Bustle Dress for a Victorian Picnic Rachel Sheffield, a historical interpreter and historic clothing coordinator at one of First State's partner sites, has spent the last few months researching, designing, and sewing gowns from the 1880s for our partners at First State Heritage Park's planned Victorian Picnic special event this summer (date TBD). A sketch of a Victorian Dress. Plan Your Trip To First State National Historical Park Like A Ranger Plan your visit to First State National Historical Park like a ranger! A view across the Brandywine River on a partly sunny day. A Centennial BioBlitz In May 2016, First State NHP partnered with The Nature Conservancy in Delaware (TNC) to host a public BioBlitz at the park, to celebrate the National Park Service's 100th Birthday! A person holds an exoskeleton of a Dragonfly. Conservation Diaries: Olf Mouyaka, Advocating for Youth Programs, Volunteering, and Urban Parks Meet Olf Mouyaka, a park guide at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, who has also worked at Lowell National Historical Park and First State National Historical Park. From a volunteer to a youth program participant to a seasonal and finally a full-time employee, learn more about Olf’s incredible journey to the National Park Service. headshot of person wearing traditional african clothing with distinct patterns Mario Cardoza-Reyes: From Intern to NPS Employee Meet Mario Cardoza-Reyes A young individual wearing a ball cap outdoors near water Claymont Community Center Receives a National Park Foundation ParkVentures Grant Claymont Community Center in Claymont, Delaware, was the recent recipient of a National Park Foundation, ParkVentures grant to create a multi-generational art program for community residents. “A Walk in the Park: Discovering the First State through Nature and Art,” allowed participants to engage in recreational and educational opportunities available at partnering sites of First State National Historical Park, Delaware’s only National Park Service location. A group of people can be seen standing on the steps of Claymont Community Center in Delaware. Naturalization at First State National Historical Park 20 people were naturalized at First State National Historical Park on November 7th, 2024. A man receiving his citizenship papers.