The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is pleased to share the announcement of a $5.4 million commitment from the National Park Service (NPS) to rehabilitate the historic Sheriff’s House at 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. 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,” said Dan Dilworth, acting superintendent, First State National Historical Park. “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.”
The improvements will help encourage visitors 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 second 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, 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 project is a collaboration between NPS, the State of Delaware and the New Castle Historical Society.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2022 and is expected to last about 14 months.
Source: Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
