| Visitors to the New Castle Court House Museum learn about Delaware's colonial history, early system of law and government, and how its legislative and judicial decisions affected the lives of its citizens.
Featured at the museum are exhibits on Delaware's colonial court and assembly, Delaware's Underground Railroad and abolitionists, and a special focus exhibit: "We the People....The Right of Trial by Jury."
Special Focus Exhibit
"We the People.... The Right of Trial by Jury"
The evolution of trial by jury is a distinctive feature of the English and American system of justice. Trial by jury came to America with the colonists from England. One of the many grievances against the King of England listed in the Declaration of Independence
was depriving the colonists of the benefit of trial by jury. Jury trial is now guaranteed as a fundamental right and part of due process of law by the Constitutions of the State of Delaware and the United States.
Jury Service, a duty of citizenship, plays an important part in the pursuit of justice. The jury's function is to find the facts and the judge's function is to state the law. Together, they put into practice the principles and protections of liberty under the law.
This exhibit examines jury trial; its evolution, importance and place in the legal system. Highlighted are sample trials and juries that have had a significant impact to justice in the State and Nation. Large groups that are interested in attending a tour of this
exhibit must make reservations in advance by emailing the site supervisor or calling 302-323-4453.
Group Tours
Tours and other interpretive programs take place throughout normal operating hours. However, large groups that are interested in attending a tour must make reservations in advance by emailing the site supervisor or calling 302-323-4453.
The following topics are available for group tours:
Free or Slave? (Students grades 4-6; 30 minutes): A documentary analysis involving the review and interpretation of primary resource materials dealing with slavery, manumission, and abolitionist activities.
Flight to Freedom (student's grades 4-12/adults; 30 minutes): Details the 1840s escape of the Hawkins family from Queen Anne's County, Maryland through Delaware on the Underground Railroad and the assistance rendered by prominent abolitionists Thomas Garrett and John Hunn.
The Delaware's First Tour (student's pre-K-3; 1 hour): Reviews "first" facts and significant events that "first" happened in Delaware.
Where the State began (students/adults; 1 hour): Summarizes information about Colonial courts, the Assembly, Colonial history, boundaries, and explains the significance of the New Castle Court House in Delaware history.
School group tours complement Delaware's Social Studies Content Standards.
Walking Tours
In the last 350 years, the New Castle Green has been the site of everything from prisons to picnics, schoolhouses and stately elms, home of county courts and the first state capitol. The Green of today is a product of all of these influences and more.
The New Castle Court House Museum offers a 45 minute walking tour of the Green that covers its historic past and fascinating present.
Tours are free, but are limited to days and times. Reservations are required. To check on the availability of a Walking Tour, please call 302-323-4453.
Special Events
May
The New Castle Court House Museum participates in A Day in Old New Castle, held annually on the third Saturday of May. Visit www.dayinoldnewcastle.org for more information.
June
Separation Day, held annually on the first Saturday in June, celebrates Delaware's declaration of independence from Great Britain. This is a city-wide event that culminates with fireworks in the evening.
December
The museum participates in the New Castle Christmas Tour, which is held on the second Saturday of December.
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