Pennsylvania Before Penn

Did you know that some 20-30 million American can trace their genealogy to one or more of the early Swedish settlers in America?

You’ll learn that and more Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m. at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street) in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

Kim-Eric Williams, a retired Swedish professor from the University of Pennsylvania with a doctorate in ministry, will talk about history of New Sweden’s colony in this area.

Williams is also historian of the Swedish Colonial Society and curator of the New Sweden History Gallery at the Lazaretto in Essington, PA.

History that’s often overlooked

While the New Sweden colony lasted just seventeen years, from 1638 to 1655, its long-lasting influence is significant.

The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia says, “As small and short-lived as it proved to be, New Sweden had important effects that persisted long after its conquest by Dutch forces in 1655.”

Among them: it “transformed relationships between native people and Europeans” … and “was the first lasting European settlement in the Delaware Valley.”

Williams will highlight New Sweden’s fascinating creation, accomplishments, and tragic end.

Enjoy a beverage of your choice

Admission: $10 for adults. It includes a drink ticket for a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is highly recommended.

Meet-and-Mingle afterward at Riverside Hall

Part of “Great Talks at Gloria Dei,” this lecture will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by our popular receptions afterward in nearby Riverside Hall.

For a modest donation, you can treat yourself there to delicious gourmet desserts … and pair them with wine, coffee or tea while you chat with the speaker and your friends and neighbors.

This program is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. One hundred percent of the funds raised from this event will go toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.