The Dutch House’s mystique has intrigued visitors and townspeople alike for more than three centuries. The home originates from the late 17th century and is considered one of the oldest houses in Delaware. While the earliest indications of any building on the property are references to George Moore’s log house in the early 1680s, today, a turn-of-the-18th-century structure exists beneath a Federal period “skin.” Contrary to its longstanding name, the building is not a Dutch House. Its construction reflects English building traditions with some "Netherlandish" qualities. Based on current research, we date the house's construction to between 1690 and 1710. It was likely built by either John Walker, a New Castle County farmer, before 1696, or Powell Barnes, a turner, after 1701. The original one-story, timber-framed house measured 24’ x 17’, with a one-room plan. An 8’ open hearth with a four-foot-deep chimney bay ran along much of the length of the north wall. Its exterior was frame, as were the vast majority of early colonial houses. The interior framing system still exists in the contemporary house. Some exterior, horizontal wood siding also survives at the gable end of the house. Both Dutch and English building traditions can be seen in the home’s construction. The first-floor ceiling beams and posts were finished and exposed. The beams show decorative finishes from this early period. No cellar or attic existed at that time. The Silsbees, a family of artisans including blacksmiths and carpenters, lived in the house through most of the 18th century and were responsible for several changes to the house. Their c. 1720 renovation added a lean-to, and subdivided the large hall into two spaces. The north room was a working hall, comprising two-thirds of the floor plan of the house, with a direct entry through a central door. A tight, winder stair behind the chimney led to a low half story above. The room to the south of this large working kitchen area was an unheated chamber, thought to be for sleeping. There appears to be more soot on beams in the north room, where the large open fire roared. In the smaller chamber to the south, surfaces on the beams show less soot and more whitewash, a technique used to lighten and brighten the space. The rear lean-to had a smaller fireplace and functioned as the best room, or parlor, on the house. This floor plan follows the characteristic feature of the kitchen and best parlor being at opposite ends of the floor plan, enabling 18th-century residents to separate working and social functions. The lean-to was subdivided into two equal spaces. Not long after the previous renovation, more major work was done to the house by the Silsbees in the mid-18th century. The house was raised off the ground, a cellar excavated, and the house wrapped on three sides in a brick exterior. From 1810 until 1855, the house was owned by John Springer, his wife, and heirs. After his death, a remodeling in 1823 transformed the house stylistically into a house that joined the ranks of the other new Federal houses along Third Street. Federal style fireplaces, woodwork, and a floor plan made the house's interior appear as it does today. A full second floor was added at this time. In the late 19th century, the house was primarily a rental property, used as a storehouse for the Immanuel Episcopal Church, and by the 20th century became the home to “Miss Rachel Carter,” who reportedly operated a take-out luncheon shop and occasional speakeasy here during Prohibition. The house was purchased in 1937 by the Delaware Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, who completed its restoration. It opened shortly after as a historic house museum, “The Old Dutch House.” The assembling of the objects on exhibit was a project of Mrs. Louise du Pont Crowninshield. Mrs. Crowninshield, sister to Henry Francis du Pont of Winterthur, was a founder of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a prominent early preservationist. It was deeded to the New Castle Historical Society in 1946. The Dutch House is open for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from April through December.