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.
Visit the John Bell House and encounter historic interpreters dressed in 18th Century dress performing a wide variety of trades throughout the day. From cooking, to gardening, to laundry and more, you will feel as if you stepped back the to days of the Revolution!
Delaware’s first urban park without boundaries, First State Heritage Park explores the stories of remarkable Delawareans and innovative governance in the First State. Interpreters clothed head-to-toe in Revolutionary garb await to lead visitors in signature thematic walking tours, seasonal lantern-lit programs, craft workshops, and special events highlighting bygone eras. Oriented around the Dover Green, where Revolutionary soldiers marched, the US Constitution was ratified, Freedom Seekers escaped slavery, and crusading suffragists expanded equality, there is so much to discover in this historic half-acre! Visitors begin their experience at the John Bell House before visiting other sites in walking distance, including the Old State House, Legislative Hall, The Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Public Archives, and Johnson Victrola Museum. Take a step back in time or relax in soft grass beneath the towering trees that have shaded visitors for 150 years, all at First State Heritage Park.
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 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. Learn more here
43 The Green
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walking tours at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
School or Group Tours call (302) 739-9194 or email TourFSHP@delaware.gov
411 Legislative Avenue
A Georgian-style structure that has been home to Delaware's General Assembly since 1933.
Guided tours Wednesday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For group tours, please call (302) 739-9194.
Visit Legislative Hall
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.
The Welcome Center is open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and exhibits are open to the public
406 Federal Street
This independent, non-profit museum boasts an outstanding collection of 18th- through 21st-century Delaware and American fine and decorative arts.
Thursday to Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
$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.
Open First Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or by appointment
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
375 S. New Street
Self-guided tours Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (masks and rsvp no longer required)
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.
Guided tours available Wednesday-Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Monday, April 29, 2024
10:00 AM
Attention all home school groups! Come learn with us on the Dover Green from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 29th and discover what amazing historic, cultural, and natural resources Delaware has to offer. Stop by at any time to traverse the multiple tables/programs from various Delaware State Parks and other partnering organizations. This program is geared towards homeschool families with children between the ages of 5 and 16, but the general public is also encouraged to attend. There is no registration required, and the event is FREE.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Thursday, May 2, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 3, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Saturday, May 4, 2024
7:00 AM
In honor of the annual Dover Days Festival, we will be presenting a special FREE lantern tour of the Dover Green at 7 p.m. This tour will begin at the John Bell House Interpretive Center. Afterwards, stay and enjoy the other festivities and fireworks display on Legislative Mall!
Sunday, May 5, 2024
9:00 AM
Visit the John Bell House to see history come alive during the Dover Days Festival! Multiple historical interpreters in 18th century clothing will be demonstrating the tools and trades used in the late 1700s. From gardening and cooking to laundry and painting, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during the festival. Please note, there will be no guided walking tours of the Green on this day, but self-guided pamphlets will be available and historic interpreters will be available for questions.This program is FREE to the public, and requires no registration.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Thursday, May 9, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 10, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 10, 2024
8:00 PM
Some stories are best told after dark! Hear forgotten stories as your guide leads you into the mists of the past by lantern light. Space is limited, so book today! Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program; after that, please call 302-739-9194. Lantern Tours cancelled due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled. $10 per person
Saturday, May 11, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Thursday, May 16, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 17, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 17, 2024
8:00 PM
The Dover Green has been the heart of the community since its founding over 300 years ago: a peaceful oasis in the city, surrounded by fine homes and shady trees. You might never guess from its appearance that this historic half-acre has seen more than its fair share of intrigue and murder, hidden stories that this walking tour will dredge up from the darkness of the past and bring into the light. Secrets never stay secret in a small town. Tickets for this tour are $15 per person. Guests are encouraged to wear proper clothing for the weather and good walking shoes. Tours cancelled due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Thursday, May 23, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 24, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Friday, May 24, 2024
8:00 PM
Who you gonna call? First State Heritage Park!…that’s not quite right. But our interpreters are ready to take you on a tour filled with ghost stories, hauntings and more. Hear the tales of the supernatural around the Dover Green illuminated by lanternlight. Pre-registration will be required and spaces are limited. Tours cancelled for inclement weather may not be rescheduled. $15 per person.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Thursday, May 30, 2024
11:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a historic interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There's always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).Legislative Hall, Delaware's Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public
Saturday, April 8, 2028
10:00 AM
The Dover Green has been the heart of this capital since its 18th-century founding. Led by a knowledgeable interpreter, experience the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience. There is always something new to discover each time you visit First State Heritage Park! Walking tours are offered hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., departing from the John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green). Legislative Hall, Delawares Capitol, offers guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays when the site is open. It is closed on Saturdays except for the first Saturday of each month. We encourage guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all walking tours. Be advised that they frequently cover uneven ground and historic cobblestones. These programs are FREE to the public.