Schedule your visit at least three weeks in advance (a month’s notice is preferred). Space fills up quickly, so make your reservations early. Keep in mind that October, November, April, and May are the busiest field trip months. Please call well in advance to insure an opening during these busy seasons.

Delaware History Museum Programs: Call 302-295-2388 or kpeterson@dehistory.org

Read House and Outreach: Antoinette at 302-295-3284 or amaccari@dehistory.org

2. When you call to schedule a program, please have the following information ready:

School calendar: Consult a school calendar in advance, so you can plan around holidays, in-services, and other school events Alternative Dates: Have two (2) alternative dates ready in case your first choice is booked. Names of Group Leaders. Programs you would like to schedule. Number of Students. Arrival and Departure Times.

3. Confirmation: Once your reservation is finalized, you will receive a confirmation packet via mail, fax, or e-mail. Please check that all the details are correct. If there are any questions, please contact the appropriate person ASAP.

4. Directions - click here!

5. Payment: Checks made payable to the Delaware Historical Society Credit Cards: VISA and MasterCard accepted. Please note: we cannot accept direct debit purchases. Invoices: sent upon request.

6. Weather-Related Delays and Cancellations: in the event of an emergency weather closing, The Delaware History Museum follows the snow policy of the Christina School district. The Read house & Gardens follows the snow policy of the Colonial School District.

7. How many students can we bring in one day? The Read House can accommodate up to 120 students with a combination of programs and walking tours. The Delaware History Museum can accommodate up to 75 students per school. Large groups require flexibility and a combination of programs in one trip.

8. How many chaperones will we need? We allow one chaperone for every eight students. These chaperones are admitted free of charge. Additional chaperones must pay an additional $3.00 each or wait in the gift shop area. Remember, you are responsible for your students and their behavior while visiting the museum.

9. What about lunch? The Delaware History Museum has both indoor and outdoor lunchroom facilities available. Lunch needs to be scheduled at the time of registration. If visiting the Read House, students may eat on the New Castle Green or in Battery Park in nice weather. Limited indoor accommodations are available at the Read House in inclement weather. All lunch materials at both sites must be carried in; the museums do not provide food or have vending machines.

10. Can students shop in the gift shop? Yes! Tours and programs can include a visit to the museum shop, but this visit needs to be scheduled in advance. The store stocks inexpensive souvenirs. Pre-made goodie bags can also be requested at the time of confirmation.

11.Can we take pictures? Photography is not permitted in the Read House or in the Delaware History Museum. It is encouraged in Delaware History Museum classrooms, Grandma’s Attic, and on the building exteriors.

12. Do you require a deposit? We require a $50.00 deposit for adult group tours, camps, and day care groups taken at the time of reservation.

13. What if it rains? Please encourage students to dress appropriately for the weather. Read House walking tours will be conducted in light rain.

14. Are our sites ADA accessible? The first floor of the Read House is accessible to people in wheelchairs. All of the Delaware History Museum is accessible. If you have students with special needs, let the Curator of Education know so that necessary accommodations can be made.