Events
Ghosts in the Graveyard
Rain Date Make-up; Saturday, November 5, 2011; 6:30 - 9:00 PM
During the 19th Century, stories about graveyard hauntings were whispered in the parlors, taverns and shops of Wilmington with hushed excitement. Some of these tales have never been successfully refuted. Join us for Ghosts in the Graveyard and see if you can solve the mystery of the late night bell ringing at Old Swedes Church.
Reservations required
Adults $10.00, Students 12 to 17 $6.00. Non Members: Adults $15.00, Students 14 to 17 $12.00
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Sankta Lucia Celebration
Sunday, December 11, 2011; 2 PM until 5 PM
Join us for a traditional celebration of the Feast Day of Sankta Lucia, a holiday that is still marked by light and music in Sweden today. The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society sponsors the annual December celebration of Sankta Lucia at Old SwedesChurch. Following the ceremony, join us for Swedish refreshments and tours of the Hendrickson House Museum, decorated for a Swedish Christmas.
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A Swedish Christmas
December 3-31, 2011; 10 AM til 4 PM
Visit the Hendrickson House Wednesday through Saturday to experience Christmas Swedish style with traditional decorations and tours that focus on how the settlers of New Sweden would have celebrated the holidays.
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Colonial Kids Day
Saturday, March 12, 2011; 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
What was it like to be child in the 17th and 18th centuries on those long blustery snowy days? Tour the Hendrickson House and find out what amused the Hendrickson children. Try your hand at needlework, an important part of a young ladies training. If you don’t like to sit still play a game of Quoits or Buzz Saw. You will find an assortment of fun things to do: weaving, marbles, tin punching or finding clues for a Hendrickson cross work puzzle. Storytelling was ever so popular; hear the stories of Elizabeth Dalbo who lived in the New Sweden Colony.
Admission: $4.00
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Landing Day
Sunday, March 27, 2011; 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM
373 years ago, the first European settlers arrived in Delaware from Sweden aboard the Kalmar Nyckle and the Fogel Grip. On March 29, 1638 under the leadership of Peter Minuet the Swedish ships sailed down what is today the Christina River, and docked at the rocks. Join us for a commemorative celebration of the landing of the Swedes in the New World. The commemoration begins with a church service at Holy Trinity Old Swedes Church at 9:30 am. The commerative celebration is held at Fort Christina at 11:15 am.
No admission fees.
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Swedish Craft Workshop & Huckweaving
Saturday, May 14, 2011; 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM
Come and learn Huckweaving, a lost needle art, sometimes referred to as Swedish embroidery. This needlecraft is a combination of embroidery, weaving, and darning all done on woven linen cloth. Try your hand at making a basket liner or placemat. Materials included in the price of the workshop.
Reservations Required
Members: $5.00; Non-Members $7.00
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Swedish Craft Workshop & Lucet Braiding
Saturday, May 21,2011; 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM
In the 17th and early 18th centuries there wasn’t any elastic, snaps, or zippers. You used decorative or plain cording to make ties as way to help keep your clothing on. The lucet a tool shaped like a lyre was used to make the decorative cords. We’re not going to be so practical today as we learn how to use the lucet to make a fashion accessory – a beaded bracelet. Materials included in the price of the workshop.
Reservations Required
Members $5:00, Non-Members $7.00
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Family History Day
Saturday, June 18, 2011; 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM
Calling all genealogists and family historians, the Old Swedes archives will be open today for research with the price of admission to the Old Swedes Historic Site. Staff and volunteers will be able to assist you with all your research questions. Photocopying fees are applicable.
Reservations Required
Event Free for Members; Non Members: Adults $4.00; Children 6 to 14, $2.00
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Delaware Day at Old Swedes
Saturday, August 20, 2011; 10:00 PM til 4:00 PM
Are you looking for something special for your family on a hot August day? Come tour the Old Swedes Historic Site for a look at life in the New Sweden Colony. Hear about life during the 18th and 19th centuries as we tour the graveyard and tell stories about those who reside here. All Delaware residents will be admitted free to the Old Swedes Historic Site. Just bring along a proof of residency.
Members: Free; Delaware Residents: Free & Non Delaware residents: $4.00
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