Ryves Holt House

Ryves Holt House
The front of the Ryves Holt House.

NPS

Site Description

This house, built in 1665 in Lewes, Delaware by early Dutch settlers, is thought to be built thirty years after the destruction of the nearby ill-fated Zwaanendael colony, one of the first Dutch settlements in America, and first European settlement in Delaware. It survived the Lord Baltimore raids, which eventually led to the English taking control of the area. The house was purchased in 1723 by its namesake, Ryves Holt, who served as the first Chief Justice of Delaware from 1745 until his death in 1763.

Hours of Operation

January through March:
Thursday-Saturday: 11:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.
Sunday: 1:00p.m.- 4:00p.m.
June through October:
Sunday - Monday: 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Special Openings:
Martin Luther King's Day (Monday, January 16): 1:00p.m.- 4:00p.m.
Presidents' Day (Monday, February 20): 1:00p.m.- 4:00p.m.
Location
218 Second Street, Lewes DE 19958

Contact Information

This site is interpreted by our partners at the Lewes Historical Society. For questions regarding tours, special programs, or hours please visit their website or call them at (302) 645-7670.

Last updated: June 15, 2017

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

New Castle Court House Museum
211 Delaware Street
New Castle, DE 19720

Phone:

(302) 544-6363
This phone number is not staffed. You can leave a message on the park's main phone number (302-544-6363) and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you are visiting one of the seven sites, and need specific information, please refer to the "Places to Go" page for phone numbers and addresses of each site.

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