Old Swedes Historic Site, Wilmington Travel Guide

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

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Old Swedes Historic Site

Explore the Old Swedes Historic Site in Wilmington, Delaware, a remnant of the New Sweden colony. Visit the Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes Church), the Hendrickson House, and the 1638 Burial Ground to discover the stories of early Swedish settlers and their impact on the region.

A brief summary to Old Swedes Historic Site

606 N Church St, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, US
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Thursday 10 am-3 pm
Friday 10 am-3 pm
Saturday 10 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Swedes Historic Site.

Tours are available Thursday through Saturday, but reservations are strongly advised.
Consider downloading the Self-Guided Cemetery Tour app to enhance your visit to the burial ground.
Note that the site has limited wheelchair accessibility due to uneven ground and historic structures.
Free parking is available in the cobblestone parking area adjacent to the Hendrickson House.

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Explore Old Swedes Historic Site on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Riverfront area, head north on N Market St towards 6th St. Turn left onto E 7th St, continue for several blocks. Turn right onto N Church St. The Old Swedes Historic Site will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

DART First State buses serve the area. From the Wilmington Transit Center on the Riverfront, several routes will get you close to the site. Check the DART website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride fare is $2. Exact change is required.
Driving

From I-95, exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and continue for 1 mile. Continue on Front Street, which turns into Church Street. Continue on Church Street, crossing over 4th Street. Parking for Old Swedes Historic Site will be on the right in the cobblestone parking area. On-street parking is also available on 7th Street and Church Street. Parking is free.

Discover more about Old Swedes Historic Site

The Old Swedes Historic Site, located in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a unique glimpse into the history of the New Sweden colony. The site dates back to 1638 when Swedish and Finnish settlers arrived and established Fort Christina. Today, the site includes the Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes Church), the Hendrickson House, and the 1638 Burial Ground.The Holy Trinity Church, constructed in 1698-1699, stands as one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the United States still used for worship. Built by the Swedish government, it served the Swedish Lutheran community that remained after the English took control. The church's architecture reflects its Swedish origins, and its walls have witnessed major events in U.S. 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 Old Swedes site in 1960 and now serves as a museum, office, and research space.The 1638 Burial Ground is the final resting place for many of the early settlers of the New Sweden colony, as well as notable citizens of Delaware. Walking through the cemetery, visitors can explore the stories of these individuals and learn about their contributions to the region. The site also bears signs of earlier use by the Lenape Native Americans.Old Swedes Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark and a part of the First State National Historical Park. It offers guided tours of the church, burial ground, and Hendrickson House, providing insights into the history and culture of the New Sweden colony.