News Release

NPS to Begin $5 Million Restoration of Sheriff’s House in First State National Historical Park

A red-brown bricked two story building.
The restoration of the Sheriff’s House will allow the historic building to be used as a visitor center for First State National Historical Park.

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News Release Date: December 1, 2021

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a $5.4 million construction contract to rehabilitate the historic Sheriff’s House at First State National Historical Park in Delaware. The Sheriff’s House is a contributing feature to the New Castle National Historic Landmark Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We are looking forward to restoring this significant property. Serving as the welcome center for park visitors, the Sheriff’s House will interpret the nationally significant stories that shaped the nation’s first state through photos, exhibits and audio-visual displays,” said Dan Dilworth, acting superintendent, First State National Historical Park.

The restoration of the Sheriff’s House will transform the building to serve as the principal location for visitors to get an orientation to the park’s six sites, and to understand the themes that connect them. Visitors are then encouraged to get a more in-depth, place-based visitor experience at the partner sites throughout the state. In addition, the rehabilitation will provide NPS staff office space on the 2nd floor. The construction project includes exterior accessibility improvements, utility improvements, exterior stone repair and repointing, interior restoration and replacement work, and exhibit fabrication and installation.

Because the Sheriff’s House is located between the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Arsenal, popular visitor destinations, construction will be limited to the area immediately adjacent to the Sheriff’s House and mitigation measures will be implemented to limit the impact to visitors and staff.

The project is being funded through the NPS line-item construction program, and the NPS is coordinating with the State of Delaware and the New Castle Historical Society on the project. Construction is targeted to begin in the new year and is expected to last about 14 months.



Last updated: December 1, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

First State National Historical Park
10 Market Street

New Castle, DE 19720

Phone:

302-317-3854
To speak to a park ranger, call the park Welcome Center (302-317-3854) and someone will return your call as soon as possible. For a more immediate response, please email the park at firststate@nps.gov.

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