Naturalization at First State National Historical Park

A family claps during the Naturalization Ceremony.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

At an intimate naturalization ceremony on November 7th, 2024 at First State National Historical Park, in New Castle, Delaware, 20 people from 11 different countries became United States citizens. The ceremony took place at the New Castle Court House Museum, one of the park’s six sites, and was hosted in partnership with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the US District Courts, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Service [USCIS]. Members from the City of New Castle, the State’s Department of Elections, and the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were also in attendance.

The Honorable Judge Jennifer L. Hall presided over the naturalization ceremony, which granted citizenship to immigrants from Cameroon, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Mexico. The National Anthem was sung by Thomas Vinci, and there were several keynote speakers. One of the speakers was an individual becoming a naturalized citizen who shared their personal stories of sacrifice and how their journeys through the process were long, but incredibly worthwhile. Park Superintendent Joshua Boles was among the speakers who welcomed the new citizens.

After the ceremony, the new citizens and their friends and families celebrated by taking photos in the historic court room. Children and adults in attendance were excited to earn their First State NHP Junior Ranger badges. Outside, the State’s Department of Elections assisted the new citizens with registering to vote, so their voices can be heard in future elections, and the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution provided light refreshments to all attendees.

This event was made possible due to an agreement between the National Park Service and USCIS. This national agreement promotes citizenship ceremonies to introduce new citizens to some of the nation’s most spectacular historic and picturesque sites. We hope to continue to work with our new partners to host additional ceremonies in the future and continue to create opportunities for someone to spend their first moments as a US citizen at a national park site.

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Photos from a Naturalization Ceremony at First State National Historical Park that occurred on November 7th, 2024.