“New Sweden Days”

“New Sweden Days,” Delaware Valley's colonial festival with the Scandinavian accent that was held June 7 and 8, 2008, at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, Wilmington, Delaware. We had a large compliment of living history interpreters portraying all walks of life, including Royal Governor Johan Printz escorted by the Governor's Guards, the Båtsmanskompani of 17 th century Swedish sailors, who crew the Little Key , the ships boat replica for the Kalmar Nyckel ship, and many more. We had displays, crafts, colonial games, vendors and much more. There were lectures, including presentations on Black Anthony, the Lenape and others. A special highlight was a presentation on Fort Christina by historian, Larry Stallcup, the leading expert on the Swedish military in colonial America. An original water color of Fort Christina by Larry's wife, the talented artist Ros Stallcup was unveiled. A special surprise was the appearance of Governor Peterson, a strong supporter of the New Sweden Centre was presented with one of the first proofs of the Fort Christina watercolor. “New Sweden Days” was a family oriented event. Our purpose is to educate folks about New Sweden and the colonists. We plan to have “New Sweden Days in the near future.