First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park The Official Page of
First State National Historical Park.

UPDATE: Due to the weather this morning, the temporary closure has been pushed to tomorrow. ⚠️ Safety Alert: Smith Bridg...
05/26/2026

UPDATE: Due to the weather this morning, the temporary closure has been pushed to tomorrow.

⚠️ Safety Alert: Smith Bridge Parking Lot Temporarily CLOSED Tomorrow ⚠️
Beginning at 6:00 a.m., the Smith Bridge parking lot will be temporarily closed for poison ivy treatment throughout the area.

The parking lot is expected to reopen at 12:30 p.m.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve visitor safety.

(Photo Description: A gravel parking lot with large boulders along the middle and a silver gate.)

⚠️Caution⚠️Visitors are advised to use caution due to flooding affecting some trails and roadways throughout the Brandyw...
05/24/2026

⚠️Caution⚠️

Visitors are advised to use caution due to flooding affecting some trails and roadways throughout the Brandywine Valley. Conditions may change rapidly, and low-lying areas may be impassable.

⚠️ Safety Alert: Smith Bridge Parking Lot Temporarily CLOSED Tomorrow ⚠️Beginning at 6:00 a.m., the Smith Bridge parking...
05/19/2026

⚠️ Safety Alert: Smith Bridge Parking Lot Temporarily CLOSED Tomorrow ⚠️

Beginning at 6:00 a.m., the Smith Bridge parking lot will be temporarily closed for poison ivy treatment throughout the area.

The parking lot is expected to reopen at 12:30 p.m.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve visitor safety.
(Photo Description: A gravel parking lot with large boulders along the middle and a silver gate.)

What could be better than strapping on your hiking boots and hitting the trails? How about hitting the trails while also...
05/19/2026

What could be better than strapping on your hiking boots and hitting the trails? How about hitting the trails while also collecting important data for a national park? First State is looking to recruit Trail Truthers. In this volunteer role, individuals hike a portion of our trails to collect counter data crucial to the management of the park. This position is perfect for anyone who:

🚶loves spending time outside
🚶enjoys hiking
🚶wants to make an impact at a national park

For those interested, please visit volunteer.gov and search for volunteer opportunities at First State National Historical Park. There you can learn more about the role and apply. We can not wait to see you on the trails.

Alt text: A ranger wearing a green outfit helps a volunteer learn how to use a trail counter that is attached to a tree.

⚠️ Attention VisitorsThe Sheriff’s House Welcome Center will be open from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.Want t...
05/12/2026

⚠️ Attention Visitors

The Sheriff’s House Welcome Center will be open from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.

Want to explore earlier? You can make the most of your visit by stopping by the New Castle Court House Museum (open at 10 a.m.) or the New Castle Visitor Center (open at 9:30 a.m.).

Photo Description: A two-story brownstone building with two trees on either side and a cobblestone road.

🌟 Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity 🌟Looking for a meaningful summer experience? Join First State National Historical P...
05/08/2026

🌟 Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity 🌟

Looking for a meaningful summer experience? Join First State National Historical Park as an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate with the Trail Stewards Training Program! Help build a sustainable volunteer training program, support trail stewardship efforts and collaborate with National Park Service staff at the Brandywine Valley unit. This is a 300-hour position, typically working 35–40 hours per week.

💼 What You’ll Get:
✔️ $957.46 bi-weekly living allowance
✔️ $1,565 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
✔️ Professional development & networking opportunities
✔️ Potential healthcare, childcare and loan support

📍 Location: Brandywine Valley unit of First State National Historical Park (Delaware)
📅 Dates: June-August 2026
✅ Must be 17+, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and able to pass a background check

If you're passionate about public service, conservation and making a difference, this is your chance to gain hands-on experience while supporting your national park.

👉 Apply here: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=721958346

🎣 Cast a Line this Sunday at ShadFest, a fun fishing themed festivalJoin our partners for a day of community, conservati...
05/01/2026

🎣 Cast a Line this Sunday at ShadFest, a fun fishing themed festival

Join our partners for a day of community, conservation, and classic outdoor fun at beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware. At the festival, youth can pick up a Junior Angler book and then either mail it to the park or drop it off to earn their very own Junior Angler Badge.

🗓 May 3rd
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this festival offers something for everyone:
🐟 Family-friendly fishing opportunities
🎓 Hands-on learning about local waterways and wildlife

Bring your friends, your curiosity, and maybe even your lucky lure.
(Image Description: A water painting of an American Shad fish swimming in the water.)

🚨 Safety AlertA brand-new trail is now open in the Brandywine Valley unit. Located across from the Smith Bridge parking ...
04/25/2026

🚨 Safety Alert

A brand-new trail is now open in the Brandywine Valley unit. Located across from the Smith Bridge parking lot, this trail is open to all users' hikers, bikers and equestrians.

Please note: a portion of the trail crosses a creek and may be challenging for equestrians and mountain bikers. A bridge is planned for the future, but in the meantime, use extreme caution when crossing.

‼️ANNOUNCEMENT: Trail Updates in Brandywine Valley ‼️Beginning April 25, the park will close several trails north of Ram...
04/24/2026

‼️ANNOUNCEMENT: Trail Updates in Brandywine Valley ‼️

Beginning April 25, the park will close several trails north of Ramsey Road in the Brandywine Valley unit, marked by yellow dots on the map.

These closures are part of the Brandywine Valley Trail Plan Environmental Assessment and are an important step toward creating a more sustainable, safe, and resource‑protective trail system. While some unofficial paths will close, access to the broader 27.8‑mile shared‑use trail network will remain open for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.

Closed trails will be clearly marked with signage and split‑rail fencing. Entry into closed areas is prohibited, and individuals found within these restricted zones may be subject to fines.


(Image Description: Map showing several red‑highlighted trail segments near Ramsey Road, labeled PC38–PC43, with yellow dots marking the trail closures points.)

⚠️ Attention VisitorsThe Sheriff’s House Welcome Center will be open tomorrow from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Planning to expl...
04/24/2026

⚠️ Attention Visitors

The Sheriff’s House Welcome Center will be open tomorrow from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Planning to explore earlier? You can still make the most of your visit by stopping by the New Castle Court House Museum (open at 10:00 a.m.) or the New Castle Visitor Center (open at 9:30 a.m.).

Photo Description: A two-story brown stone building with two trees on either side and a cobblestone road.

Address

10 Market Street
New Castle, DE
19720

Telephone

+13025446363

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First State National Historical Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category