A Brief History of Our Historical Nonprofit Organization
Founded in 1937, the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society (DSCS) was established to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Swedes’ and Finns’ landing in the Delaware Valley. Members who were most active during the planning and preparation decided that the organization should be permanent, and with this decision, we remained at work. Additionally, our Constitution and By-Laws came into existence to unify our society.
After a year lapse in time the Members met again to finalize the Constitution and By-laws. One of the proposals in the by-laws was that a member who could prove their Swedish ancestry back to the original founding fathers would be named a “Founding Member”. The permanent Organizational meeting was held on March 29, 1940, Delaware Swedish Colonial Day.
Due to schedules and other individual work, the group did not meet for almost a year. In June of 1939, as proposed by our By-Laws, we have come up with a decision that members who could prove their Swedish ancestry would be our founding members. The Permanent Organization meeting happened on March 29, 1940—the Delaware Swedish Colonial Day.
Current Ceremonies
Since then, except during the 2021 COVID outbreak, the organization has been holding an annual wreath-laying ceremony at The Rocks on or near the date of March 29th. This is to remember the memory of the early Swedish settlers’ landing in Fort Christina Park, Wilmington, Delaware.
As a nonprofit organization, we want to create a positive impact on the relationship between Swedish and American citizens. Our goal is to encourage all in their appreciation of the Swedish culture and to provide the current generation with resources to understand the history of how Delaware became the “small wonder” that it is.
Membership
Anyone interested in promoting the purposes of our organization is welcome to join us. However, a special colonial membership designation is available to those who can prove “Colonial” ancestry. Please contact us and our Membership Chairman and/or Registrar will assist you in finding your Swedish/Finnish ancestry.
Get Started in Understanding
the Swedish Culture
Delaware Swedish Colonial Society is here to provide you with guidance as you go through your journey in appreciating the tradition and culture of Sweden. Get in touch with us today to consult one of our members.