The history of Old Swedes Historic Site dates back to 1638, when Swedish and Finnish settlers arrived on the ships Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip and established Fort Christina, which became Wilmington, DE. The site was used as a burial ground for the Fort, but also holds signs of earlier use by the Lenape Native Americans. Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church was constructed 1698-1699 to serve the Swedish community that remained in the English colony of Pennsylvania after Swedish Lutheran missionary Erik Björk arrived in 1697.
Tours:
- $12 per individual; $7 per student (ages 6-15)/military/first responders; free for children 5 and under. Tours include Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, the 1638 Burial Ground, and the early 18th century Hendrickson House.
- Your admission includes access to the new Self-Guided Cemetery Tour app.
- Members are always free. Join now!
- Visitors are also welcome to walk the cemetery grounds for $5 per person; under 6 years free. Includes the Self-Guided Cemetery Tour app.
