Rockwood Park & Museum

Rockwood Park & Museum is committed to our community and we are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

We are suspending all indoor museum tours and closing the Bringhurst Boutique until further notice.  

Outdoor tours and programs will require attendees to do a health screening to participate. All attendees are required to observe social distancing and wear masks during all tours and activities. 

If you can't come out to join us, we invite you to take a virtual tour of Rockwood using our audio tour from home, or as you stroll through the park using the  izi.Travel app available in the Apple and Google stores.

Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker, built Rockwood between 1851 and 1854. Its Gothic Revival architecture and enchanting landscape were designed to reflect the beauty of an English country estate.

The museum reflects the way the Bringhurst family, descendants of Shipley, lived during the turn of the 20th century.

  1. Fri Oct. 23

    Rockwood Park Family Stroll Scavenger Hunt Enjoy the beauty of Rockwood Park and Museum and the Power of Nature. Family based scavenger hunt that provides participants the opportunity to explore different parts of the park, the existing plantings, and the history of the existing structures. Great opportunity for parents with children participating in virtual education to supplement their child's learning.Social distancing and face masks required, along with temperature checks and a brief COVID form. Please meet your tour guide at the Visitor's Entrance. Pre-Registration is required for this activity. Confirmation email prior to the activity will be sent to confirm attendance. Please call Rockwood for additional information, 302-761-4340.

  2. Sat Oct. 24

    Rockwood's Gentleman's House and Garden Tour History lovers will enjoy a garden walk as your guide shares the story behind the building of Rockwood Mansion and Gardens. Topics covered include architecture of the mansion, the history of Joseph Shipley's family, and the garden's unique design. Please visit Rockwood.org to view a short video about the history of Rockwood. Social distancing will be in practice during the tour. Masks are required. Fee: 3.00 in county; 6.00 out of county. Please meet your tour guide in the courtyard of the Visitor's Entrance. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., September 26. Please call Rockwood for information at 302-761-4340. Online registration and payment required. Participants are asked to bring a folding chair.

  3. Sun Oct. 25

    Drawing and Nature Walk in Rockwood Park Bring any sized sketch pad and pencil for an enjoyable creative afternoon in the park. Begin with an outdoor sketching lesson with drawing instructor, Karen Berstler. Take a nature walk and learn about Rockwood Park historical facts, designs and creators. Stop at various locations to sketch the garden's beauty. Karen will be there to answer any sketching questions during the walk. Leave with the beginnings of your very own nature book! Meet in the Mansion's Courtyard by the Visitor's Entrance to start the class. Social distancing will be in practice during the tour. Face masks are required. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TOUR LIMITED TO 10

  4. Sun Oct. 25

    Rockwood's Historic Structures Walking Tour Take a rare walk back in time to learn how the existing and lost structures of Rockwood completed a working estate. Your guide will be dressed in vintage clothing and will use vintage photographs to provide you with the history of Rockwood as you walk from structure to structure. Tour is approximately 75 minutes in length and covers approximately 1 mile to include surfaces of grass, gravel and paved areas. Comfortable walking shoes and ability to traverse locations of the tour are recommended. Face masks required. COVID screening form and temperature checks will be completed by Rockwood staff. Ages 14 and up. Pre-registration required. FEE: 3.00 in county; 6.00 out of county.

  5. Sun Oct. 25

    Drawing and Nature Walk in Rockwood Park Bring any sized sketch pad and pencil for an enjoyable creative afternoon in the park. Begin with an outdoor sketching lesson with drawing instructor, Karen Berstler. Take a nature walk and learn about Rockwood Park historical facts, designs and creators. Stop at various locations to sketch the garden's beauty. Karen will be there to answer any sketching questions during the walk. Leave with the beginnings of your very own nature book! Meet in the Mansion's Courtyard by the Visitor's Entrance to start the class. Social distancing will be in practice during the tour. Face masks are required. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TOUR LIMITED TO 10
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Contact Us

  1. Rockwood Park & Museum

    Physical Address
    4651 Washington St. Extension
    Wilmington, DE 19809

    Mailing Address
    610 Shipley Road
    Wilmington, DE 19809

    Phone: (302) 761-4340

  2. Facility Rentals

    Mansion, Garden, and Conservatory Rentals
    Email
    Phone: (302) 761-4340
    More Information

National Register of Historic Places logo

National Register of Historic Places, Rockwood, New Castle County, Delaware, National Register #76000579.

Rockwood Park is a Certified Wildlife Habitat Certified by the National Wildlife Federation
Rockwood Park Preservation Society Logo

Accessibility

Although the west wing of the mansion is wheelchair accessible including accessible restrooms, please note that only a limited portion of the museum is wheelchair accessible. The main museum rooms are only accessible by stairs.