Read House & Gardens

A National Historic Landmark owned and operated by the Delaware Historical Society since 1975

The last public tours available before our winter closure will be offered on Jan. 5 and 6. Join us Friday, Jan. 6, for one final look at LIT for the Holidays—tickets and info available here.

LIT for the Holidays returns Saturday, December 10, 5–8 p.m.! Celebrate in style with cocktails, carols, a vintage Rolls-Royce, and special artist installations illuminated for the holidays! LIT for the Holidays is inspired by the family Christmas gatherings and famous New Year’s Day parties that Philip and Lydia Laird hosted at the Read House starting in the 1920s. Learn more and purchase tickets today...

August 5, 2022

The George Read II House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark owned and operated by the Delaware Historical Society, has announced a transformative campaign to make its landscape socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable for the next generation. Planning will encompass the entire 2.5 acres of grounds surrounding the 1804 Read House, which is situated in the town’s historic core with substantial Delaware River frontage. Ultimately, the project will reconcile the gardens’ multi-layered history with Old New Castle’s legacy of beautiful design and the Society’s contemporary mission to “educate, inspire, and empower people and communities.” Read more...

June 26, 2022

Read the latest press: "Feeling and Imagination are the Keys to Renewal, Escape from 'Goblin Mode'"

March 15, 2021

The Delaware Historical Society is pleased to announce that the National Historic Landmark George Read II House has completed an innovative and historically sensitive mechanical upgrade to replace failing systems, improve energy efficiency, and ultimately preserve the historic house’s delicate interiors and collections. Read more...

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readhouseandgardens

A National Historic Landmark campus of the Delaware Historical Society.
#readhouseandgardens
Tickets for The New Tour are available now!

Sometimes foggy mornings give way to clear thought

CANCELLED— We're sorry to say that tonight's LIT

You can still catch a glimpse of this year’s sev

These are the days of warm light and long shadows.

Thanks to Brian Bolanowski for capturing everyone’s joy and wonder last weekend! You can still come by tonight, next Friday, or Friday the 6th of January to experience this year’s seven LIT for the Holidays artist installations and special exhibits. Each year at the holidays, these fresh sets of eyes help us to see the Read House in a new light.

Tickets are free to members, $10 for non-members, $5 for students and EBT/ACCESS cardholders, and free for children under 12. ✨🕯️Link in bio.

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So much to discover—and three more chances to do

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