Self-Guided
Graveyard Tours
This graveyard has welcomed thousands during its 345+ years of existence.
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church is the oldest church in Pennsylvania, and has one of the oldest active graveyards as well. While some 5,000 people are buried there, many of their graves have been lost to time. Fortunately, this app will help you find some graves we do know about.
These people represent hundreds of years of Philadelphia’s history. Some actually pre-date William Penn’s founding of the “City of Brotherly Love” in 1682. The first residents were buried around 1677, and the graveyard continues to receive burials even today.
You’ll find a general tour here. It includes over 70 bio sketches so far, and we’re adding more every month. Plus you’ll find others on the American Revolution, Mariners and more.
Featured Tours
General Tour
Explore the Old Swedes graveyard at your leisure and discover the remarkable people buried here.
American Revolution
Learn about the patriots who supported the war effort … even though their pastor didn’t.
Mariners
Wander our grounds and discover our residents who were engaged in maritime activities.
Special Tours
For a limited time, enjoy our free special tours that showcase the historic figures and the change-makers of our times. Many of these important stories have never been told before.
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Self-Guided Tour: National Publisher’s Day
In honor of National Publisher’s Day, learn about how Gloria Dei Church’s entrepreneurs helped change history.
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Self-Guided Tour: Women’s History Month
Generations of women who moved history forward were buried at Gloria Dei Church. Explore our graveyard and salute them.
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Self-Guided Tour: World Art Day
Artists have been a major creative force in Philadelphia since the city’s earliest days. Explore our graveyard and celebrate their works.
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Self-Guided Tour: New Sweden History Month
In the 17th century, colonists from Europe started new lives here. Learn about their struggles and triumphs in America.
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Self-Guided Tour: The American Revolution
Independence was a hotly contested topic at Gloria Dei Church. Salute the patriots who supported the war effort … even though their pastor didn’t.
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Self-Guided Tour: World Maritime Day
Philadelphia was once the largest port in North America. Salute the adventurous seafarers memorialized on our grounds.
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Self-Guided Tour: National Author’s Day
Authors use their wonderful written words to teach, entertain, educate and motivate us. Explore our graveyard and celebrate these brilliant minds.
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Self-Guided Tour: The Mummers Parade
“Mumming” incorporates customs and folklore from different cultures. Learn about Mummers who changed the parade for the better.
Wonderful Support
This project was made possible by the generous support of Queen Village Neighbors Association and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Thanks to them, we are able to offer this app for free and without advertisements.
We also thank our all-volunteer board of directors, and their assistance as historians, writers and web developers. Without their hard work, this project would not have been possible.