WITN's 'Big Picture' presents Old Swedes Church Joins First State National Historical Park

Описание: (ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE - Katie Wilson (Carper)

Old Swedes Church to Join First State National Historical Park

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Monday, May 11, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Old Swedes Church, the Reverend Patricia Downing, Rector of Trinity Parish, will sign the cooperative easement agreement adding Old Swedes Church to the First State National Historical Park. Senator Carper, the driving force behind the Park’s creation, will also attend.

When: Monday May 11, 2015
Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Where: Old Swedes Church, 606 N. Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Press parking in the parking lot off Church

Old Swedes Church, in Wilmington, Delaware, is the oldest church in the United States standing as originally built and still in use as a house of worship. It was erected in 1698–1699 by descendants of the Swedish colonists who crossed the Atlantic aboard the Kalmar Nyckel in 1638. The pulpit is the oldest known pulpit in the United States. Reflecting over three hundred years of American history, Old Swedes Church has a unique story to share.

“We have worked with Senator Carper and the National Park Service for nearly a decade to make this day a reality,” said Rev. Downing. “Today, we add a jewel in the heart of Wilmington to Delaware’s National Historical Park. Fifteen generations have worshiped in and preserved Old Swedes Church. We are now preserving it for the generations who follow us, both as an active church, and as a place to celebrate Delaware’s history.”

“Our dream of telling Delaware’s important story in the settlement and founding of our country is coming true,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I am so thrilled that Old Swedes Church is a part of Delaware’s National Park so visitors from near and far will learn about life for the early settlers of our great nation.”

On December 9th, 2014, Congress approved the First State National Historical Park Act of 2013, creating the first and only national park in Delaware. The legislation that passed incorporated Old Swedes Church, along with three other new sites (Fort Christina, John Dickinson Plantation, and the Ryves Hold House) into First State NHP. The legislation also officially changed First State National Monument in Delaware to First State National Historical Park. Similar to the national monument, the First State National Historical Park will focus on Delaware’s history, from early Dutch, Swedish and English settlements through Delaware becoming the first state.
“Old Swedes Church is an imperative addition to the First State National Historical Park,” said Ethan McKinley, Superintendent of the First State National Historical Park. “Old Swedes links Delaware to the earliest days of its existence as a colonial settlement, and Delaware’s history echoes from every stone, grave marker, and pew.”