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Old Swedes Historic Site: A Window to New Sweden

Discover the legacy of New Sweden at Wilmington's Old Swedes Historic Site, featuring a historic church, burial ground, and the Hendrickson House.

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Explore the Old Swedes Historic Site in Wilmington, Delaware, a glimpse into the 17th-century New Sweden colony. Featuring the Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes Church), the Hendrickson House, and a historic burial ground, the site offers a journey through early Swedish and Finnish settlement in the Delaware Valley.

A brief summary to Old Swedes Historic Site

  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Tours are available Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM, with the last tour starting at 2 PM; reservations are strongly advised.
  • Admission includes access to the Holy Trinity Church, the 1638 Burial Ground, and the Hendrickson House.
  • Consider downloading the Self-Guided Cemetery Tour app for a more in-depth exploration of the burial grounds.
  • Check the Old Swedes Historic Site website for events, updated hours, and any potential closures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Delaware Avenue and N Church Street, head north on N Church Street for approximately 0.2 miles. The Old Swedes Historic Site will be on your right. This is a straightforward walk along a main street in Wilmington.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State bus Route 2, 6, 13, 15, 301, and 302 have stops near the Old Swedes Historic Site. From the closest bus stop at 4th and N Church St, walk north on N Church St for two blocks. The site will be on your right. A single ride fare on DART First State is $2.00.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit towards Wilmington. Continue on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard for about 1 mile. Turn onto Church Street. The Old Swedes Historic Site will be on the right. Free parking is available in the cobblestone parking area adjacent to the Hendrickson House, enter from Church Street.

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Discover more about Old Swedes Historic Site

The Old Swedes Historic Site, located in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a captivating look into the early Swedish and Finnish settlement of the Delaware Valley. The site's history dates back to 1638 when Swedish and Finnish settlers arrived on the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip, establishing Fort Christina. The site includes the Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, the 1638 Burial Ground, and the Hendrickson House. The Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, constructed between 1698 and 1699, stands as one of the oldest surviving churches in the United States. It served the Swedish Lutheran community that remained after the English took control of the colony. The church has witnessed major events in U.S. history, including the American Revolution and the World Wars. The 1638 Burial Ground holds the remains of early settlers and notable figures from local and national history. The Hendrickson House, dating back to c. 1722, provides a glimpse into the life of a Swedish-American family in the former New Sweden colony. Originally located in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, it was moved to the site in 1960 and now serves as a museum, office, and research space. Visitors can explore the site through guided tours, which include access to the Holy Trinity Church, the burial ground, and the Hendrickson House. A self-guided cemetery tour app is also available.

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