Last updated: 6/16/2017
23669 Ross Station Rd
Seaford, DE 19973
203 High St
Seaford, DE 19973
Guided tours only. Tour time 1-2 hours. No tours begin after 3:30.
Sunday, Saturday
1 PM - 4 PM
Free parking available on site.
Adults: $7
Members: free
Children under 12: Free
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Claudia Melson
phone: 302-628-9500
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Phyllis Williams
phone:
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Purchased by the Seaford Historical Society in 1976, this rare and complete Victorian Italianate mansion, ca. 1850s, has been lovingly restored and fully furnished. Step into the Governor Ross Mansion, and step back into time. See the only documented log slave quarter in Delaware.
Enjoy 20 acres that include a granary, stable, smokehouse, and corn cribs. Explore a “Honeymoon Cottage” likely built from a pattern book and located on the property.
The Gov. Ross Mansion was built in the 1850s by William Henry Harrison Ross for himself and his family. Ross served as the Democratic Governor of Delaware from 1851 to 1855. Extremely popular with the people, he was instrumental in bringing the railroad into Southern Delaware. Trains running daily to Philadelphia vitalized the economy as farmers switched crops from wheat and corn to higher priced tomatoes, strawberries, peaches and other perishables. Ross became a local hero, but he was also a slave owner and Southern sympathizer. When war broke out between the states, Delaware sided with the North. Ross supported the Confederacy, and was forced to England. Today, the Gov. Ross Mansion stands as a reminder of pre-Civil War life.
The Seaford Museum and the Gov. Ross Mansion and Plantation are now Blue Star Museums! Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, active duty members and up to 5 family members receive free admission. For more information, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
1) Half-day tours ($3.00 per student and chaperone)
Kindergarten: “Then and Now” tours during spring months
Elementary: grades 3-5 during fall and spring due to the outdoor activities
2) All-day tours ($6.00 per student and chaperone)
Secondary: Tour the Ross Mansion, Slave Quarter, Granary, and Smokehouse, discover how Harriet Tubman and the slave, Tilly, escaped, participate in hands-on activities, and more. We can accommodate up to 100 students a day.
Tours can be modified to meet academic needs at other grade levels. A Picnic area is available for lunch.
A Picnic area is available for lunch.
The Seaford Historical Society owns and operates the Governor Ross Plantation and the Seaford Museum, two of the best little museums in the area.
The Seaford Historical Society has two gift shops. One is located in the Seaford Museum and the other is in the Ross Mansion. Additionally, we have a “Children’s gift shop” in the Mansion.
We do not sell gift shop items online. Our gift shops have books, toys, t-shirts, jewelry, postcards, and so much more, all celebrating local history and culture. If you need a thank you or a gift for someone, think about stopping in and browsing through one of our gift shops. The gift shops are open during regular Museum and Mansion hours. SHS members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.
Take your guest back more than 150 years with this beautiful location. It is available for weddings, graduations, photography sessions and private events.
he Seaford Historical Society is pleased to partner with the community by making the Mansion and scenic Plantation grounds available to rent for weddings, receptions, shows, or other events. Large open areas are easily accessible for the placement of your tents, exhibits or displays. Electrical and water service are available, along with parking for over 200 cars.
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
The Mansion is partially handicapped accessible.
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
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