On March 29, 1638 the Swedish ship, Kalmar Nyckel, landed at the rocky banks of the Minquas Kill. A fort was erected by the expedition soldiers after land negotiations were conducted with the native inhabitants, members of the Lenni Lenape tribe. To honor the young Swedish Queen, the fort and its access river were named Christina.

For seventeen years Sweden maintained its colony in the Delaware River Region. Further expeditions supplied New Sweden with materials for trade and with settlers. Swedish colonists continued to live, work and worship in their new world even though New Sweden ended in 1655 with the Dutch claim to the territory. The Swedish Missionary Society maintained ties with the colonists by sending missionaries to the Swedish built Lutheran churches until the late 1700's.

Old Swedes Church, built in 1698 near the site of Fort Christina, stands today as proud witness to the labors and spirit of the New Sweden settlers and their ministers. It is now part of the parish of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Wilmington.

ACTIVITIES

of the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society

During the year the Society engages in four main activities.

• Commemoration of the Swedish landin in a wreath laying ceremony at "The Rocks" on or about March 29th followed by an annual luncheon, meeting and election of officers. In alternate years this meeting is held jointly with the Swedish Colonial Society of Philadelphia.

• The "Midsommarfest" celebration is in June. This traditional Swedish holiday marks the coming of the summer with music, food, dancing and the raising of a flower decorated festive pole.

• Fall "Smörgåsbord" seminar, discussion, lecture or film on a Swedish topic of historical or current interest.

• "Lucia" is a symbol of light and hope to mankind. She comes on the darkest day of the year to herald in the coming of light and the Christmas season. We celebrate Lucia in December on a Sunday close to the 13th in Old Swedes Church followed by a reception in the Swedish Tradition. Back to Top

of the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society

• To promote understanding and appreciation of Swedish culture and tradition.

• To foster good relations between the people of the United States of America and Sweden.

• To commemorate each year on or about March 29th the landing of the Swedish settlers at "The Rocks" in Fort Christina Park, Wilmington, Delawre.

• To collect, preserve, and publish records, documents and other material relating to the history of Swedish settlements in America. Back to Top

The Society welcomes as members those interested in its purposes. Swedish heritage is not a requirement.

A special colonial membership designation is available to persons descended from the Colonial Swedes. The Registrar of the Society may be off assistance to individuals in establishing lines of ancestry..

Dues are payable on the first of January according to the following schedule:

Life membership	$250.00
Contributing Membership	$25.00	or more
Family Membership	$15.00
Single Membership	$10.00
Junior Membership (under 21)	$2.50
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION