Welcome to Old Swedes Historic Site

1638 to Tomorrow.

One of America's oldest churches. A place where history, culture, and community continue to shape the future.

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The Next Chapter Initiative

For nearly four centuries this ground has held Wilmington's memory. Our next chapter opens the story to everyone — as museum, amphitheater, classroom, and civic commons.

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Six ways in.

Visit

Guided tours of the 1699 church, Hendrickson House, and historic grounds.

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History

Nearly four centuries of continuous story — from New Sweden to today.

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Theatre

Open-air amphitheater programming from spring through fall.

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Events

Sankta Lucia, lantern tours, weddings, commemorations, and civic gatherings.

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Education

School programs, archaeology days, genealogy research, living history.

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Support

Give, become a member, volunteer — help write the next chapter.

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By the numbers

A living landmark.

1638

First landing on this ground

400yrs

Nearly four centuries of story

10k+

Visitors and students each year

NHL

National Historic Landmark

Timeline

Nearly four centuries, one ground.

Full history

1638
New Sweden
1699
Church consecrated
1791
Pastoral shift
1938
Tercentenary
1961
Landmark designation
Today
The Next Chapter

Upcoming events

Come gather.

DEC 13Tradition

Sankta Lucia Celebration

Candles, song, and saffron buns — Wilmington's beloved festival of light.

Reserve

OCT 26Tour

Lantern Tour

An after-dark walk through nearly four centuries of memory.

Reserve

JUN 06Music

Amphitheater Series

Regional and touring artists take our open-air stage.

Reserve

SATFamily

Kids' Archaeology Day

Hands-on digs and the science of what's left behind.

Reserve

Historical story

A 1690 farmhouse, moved stone by stone —
to keep a story standing.

The Hendrickson House was built in 1690 for a Swedish colonial family and moved to Old Swedes in 1959. Today it serves as the site's museum and welcome center — a rare intact example of early Swedish-American domestic architecture on the same ground where its neighbors once worshipped.

Read the story