Rockwood Park & Museum

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. Tue Sep. 29

    Power of Nature The Power of Nature provides in person nature programs for children ages 5-12 (accompanied by a parent or guardian). Using various locations throughout Rockwood Park, the one hour interactive session will provide a variety of nature and standards based science topics utilizing stories, movement and crafts. Weather permitting. Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Participants should meet in the courtyard of the Visitor's Entrance. Please bring supplies to include: scissors, pencils, crayons, markers, glue stick, clipboard, and a towel or mat to sit on. Masks are required. Social distancing will be in place.

  2. Wed Sep. 30

    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.

  3. Sat Oct. 3

    Rockwood's Outdoor Art in the Park Create art in the outdoors at Rockwood Park! Learn introductory Plein Air techniques using the materials you have at hand. Plein Air is a French term meaning "out of doors" and refers to the practice of creating entire finished pictures outside. Participants are asked to bring their own materials (drawing, watercolors, inks and surface to draw on) and chair. All levels welcome. 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 CLASS SIZE LIMITED TO 10 $5 PER PERSON IN COUNTY; $10 OUT OF COUNTY

  4. Sun Oct. 4

    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. Sat Oct. 10

    Walking Paranormal Experience of Rockwood Park SOLD OUT A walking investigation using sophisticated paranormal equipment as we walk the several locations in Rockwood Park. The program is strictly outside and we will not be entering any buildings. Meet at the Courtyard of Rockwood Museum. Individuals attending must be able to traverse the paths and trails of Rockwood Park. Must wear a face mask and complete a Covid Self Examination at start of tour. Call (302) 761-4340 for information. Ages 14-Adults.
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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

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 museum tours and closing the Bringhurst Boutique until further notice.  

Rockwood Park will remain open so you may come and enjoy the fresh air. 

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.

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.