The Swedish Colonial Society

The Swedish Colonial Society is a cultural and non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of New Sweden Colony in America. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the Society serves as a premier resource for historical research, genealogical studies, and cultural preservation. Since its founding in 1909, the organization has established itself as a leader in documenting America's Swedish and Finnish heritage through extensive publications, scholarly research, and archival collections. The Society maintains the world's largest collection of historical and genealogical materials relating to America's first Swedes and Finns, making it an invaluable resource for historians, genealogists, and cultural enthusiasts throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. The organization's comprehensive archives and publications form the foundation for academic studies of New Sweden Colony and its colonists, supporting both professional researchers and amateur historians in their pursuit of knowledge about this significant period in American history. Membership is open to all individuals interested in Swedish and Finnish colonial history, with special designations available for those who can document descent from colonial Swedes or Finns. Through its commitment to preservation and education, the Swedish Colonial Society continues to advance understanding of how Swedish and Finnish settlers shaped early American culture and society.