First State Heritage Park is Delaware's first urban "park without boundaries" linking historic and cultural sites in Dover, Delaware, the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. It is a partnership of state and city agencies under the leadership of Delaware State Parks. It is located in Dover, Kent County, Delaware in the United States. Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. The sites of the park highlight Delaware's role as the "First State." First State Heritage Park is open year-round, with special tours of the sites given the first Saturday of each month.
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
Located within the Delaware Public Archives building adjacent to Legislative Hall, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries serves as an entrance portal to Delaware's state capital and the historic city of Dover. The center is ideally situated for auto-borne visitation with easy highway access and plentiful parking. Visitor services include self-guided tours of the center's exhibits, and extensive information on local and statewide attractions, events, and activities.
The Old State House
The Old State House served as the state's first permanent capitol building from 1791 until 1932. It is located on Dover's historic green. The Old State House originally housed Delaware's state government and the government of Kent County. The Old Statehouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The State House has undergone several expansions and renovations since it opened in 1791. It was originally built in a Georgian architecture style. The state house was remodeled in 1873 to reflect a Victorian style and restored in 1976 to its original appearance. Extensive renovations of the State House also took place in 2007. Guided tours of the building are offered throughout the day Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Delaware Legislative Hall
is the state capitol building. It houses offices and the assembly room for the Delaware State Legislature. Legislative Hall has served as the main legislative building since 1933. It is open for tours, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Visit with historical interpreters and learn about this newly restored house, the oldest surviving wooden structure in Dover. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Delaware Public Archives
The Delaware Public Archives building houses an extensive collection of materials dating back as far as the 17th century to today. The research room is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on the First Saturday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
The Johnson Victrola Museum was built in honor of Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Exhibits at the museum include paintings, objects, memorabilia, and trademarks that highlight the development of the sound recording industry. The museum is open Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The museum is part of the Delaware State Museum Buildings complex, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. developed by Eldridge R. Johnson.
Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum of American Art houses a permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts as well as changing exhibitions throughout the year. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
