First State Passport Stamps

How many stamps can YOU collect at First State NHP?

What are Passport stamps?

Collecting Passport cancellation stamps is a fun way to remember your visit to First State National Historical Park and to national parks across the country. Introduced in in 1986 by the National Park Service's nonprofit partner, America’s National Parks, the program encourages visitors to "put a stamp on every national park experience." It also supports the Leave No Trace ethic by providing a meaningful souvenir to take home while helping protect park resorces.

Most National Park Service site offer at leas one official cancellation stamp. Each stamp features the park's name and the date of your visit, making it a unique keepsake and record of your travels through America's National Parks.

The program divides the country into nine geographic regions, each represented by a different color. First State national Historical park is part of the Mid-Atlantic Region, which is represented by blue.

Whether you are just begining your collection or adding another stamp to a well traveled book, do not forget to stop by one of our sites during your visit!

 

What stamps are available?

1. Brandywine Valley
   • Location: Brandywine Creek State Park Nature Center (41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
2. Fort Christina
   • Location: Copeland Maritime Center (1124 E. 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19803)
3. Old Swedes Historic Site
   • Location: Old Swedes Historic Site (606 North Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19801)
   • Click here to make your reservation.
4. New Castle Court House Musuem
   • Location: New Castle Court House Museum (211 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720)
5. First State NHP - Junior Ranger
   • Location: Sheriff's House Welcome Center (10 Market Street, New Castle, DE 19720)
6. First State NHP- America 250 - The American Revolution
   • Location: Sheriff's House Welcome Center (10 Market Street, New Castle, DE 19720)
7. The Green - New Castle
   • Location: The Arsenal (30 Market Street, New Castle, DE 19720)
8. The Green - Dover
   • Location: The Old State House (25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901)
9. John Dickinson Plantation
   • Location: John Dickinson Plantation (340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901)

 

Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Stamps

• Fort Christina: "the rocks" was used by Freedom Seekers who arrived and departed by ship.
• New Castle Court House Musuem: site of the trial of Thomas Garrett and John Hunn, who were convicted of working as stationmasters on the Underground Railroad in violation of the Fugitive Slave Act.
• Old State House: site of the trail of Samuel Burris, a conductor of the Underground Railroad and a free black man who risked his own freedom to lead enslaved people through Delaware into Pennsylvania.
• John Dickinson Plantation: one of the largest plantations in Delaware, once home to about sixty slaves. After inheriting the property from his father, John Dickinson granted his slaves full freedom in 1785 as a result of Quaker beliefs.

Learn more about the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

 

How can I get a stamp if the Passport stamp location is closed?

If stamp access is unavailable, please contact the park, and we can send you one or more stamps through the mail. Be sure to include the following information in your request:

1. Your name
2. Mailing address
3. Which Passport stamp cancellations you are requesting
4. Specific dates needed for each stamp

Do I have to have a Passport book to get a stamp?

NO!
You can stamp anything you'd like. People like to stamp:

• Park brochures
• Travel journals
• Postcards
• Scrapbooks
• Books purchased in the park store
• Junior Ranger books and certificates

If you've forgotten your Passport book, don't worry! You can stamp a spare sheet of paper. Put your stamp in your Passport book when you get home.