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Hendrickson House Museum: A Glimpse into Swedish Colonial Life

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Explore Swedish colonial history at the Hendrickson House Museum, one of the oldest Swedish-American homes in the U.S.

The Hendrickson House Museum, located in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a unique glimpse into early Swedish-American life. Built around 1690, it stands as one of the oldest surviving Swedish-American homes in the United States, showcasing the lives of early settlers.

A brief summary to Hendrickson House Museum

  • Thursday 11 am-3 pm
  • Friday 11 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Plan your visit on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, when the museum is open.
  • Ask the staff about the personal stories behind the artifacts for a more engaging experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the Old Swedes Historic Site, including the church and burial ground.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're in downtown Wilmington, the Hendrickson House Museum is accessible by foot. Start near the Wilmington Riverwalk and head towards N Market St. Proceed north until you reach W 7th St, then turn left. Continue to N Church St and turn right; the museum is at 606 N Church St. The walk should take about 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Wilmington Transit Center, take the DART Route 10 bus toward the Wilmington Riverfront. Get off at the stop closest to N Church St and walk north for about 0.3 miles to reach the museum. A single bus fare is approximately $2.00.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to 606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Free parking is available in the cobblestone parking area adjacent to the Hendrickson House, with entry from Church Street. On-street parking is also available on 7th Street and Church Street. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

Discover more about Hendrickson House Museum

The Hendrickson House Museum, part of the Old Swedes Historic Site in Wilmington, Delaware, provides a captivating journey into the world of 17th-century Swedish colonists. Originally constructed around 1690 in Chester, Pennsylvania, by Swedish farmer Andrew Hendrickson and his wife, Brigitta Morton, the house was later moved to its current location in 1958 to prevent demolition. Three generations of the Hendrickson family called this house home. The house features a large room for family activities and a bedroom on the second floor. Sold in 1788, the house was used to accommodate tenant farmers. A fire in the early 1900s destroyed many of the wooden parts. The house underwent a restoration process. The pine mantel and woodwork around the large fireplace are original. The museum now serves as both church offices and a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore colonial artifacts and learn about the daily lives of Swedish settlers. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the history of the house, the church, and the surrounding community. The site includes the Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes) and burial ground.

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