Southwark Rediscovered: A Walking Tour of Historic Queen Village

Back by popular demand! Join the Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Preservation Corporation on Sunday, May 22, for a walking tour of Philadelphia’s Queen Village neighborhood, led by researcher and writer Michael Schreiber. Participants will explore one of Philadelphia’s oldest districts on a 0.7-mile route from the Old Swedes’ churchyard to Headhouse Square. We will get a view of the area as it developed over a period of some 375 years from a settlement in the forest (Wicaco) to a colonial town (Southwark) to the modern city. We’ll see examples of early Philadelphia architecture and learn about the stories of some of the people who lived there.

Tour participants will meet in the Old Swedes’ churchyard (Water Street, below Christian) at 1 p.m. The tour should take about two hours and will conclude at Headhouse Square at 2nd and Pine Streets, where there are many restaurants and refreshment places. The tour will be limited to 25 people. Tickets are $15 each.

Things to Note:

• Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothing
• Getting here:
  • Ride Sharing: The Water Street gate (929 S. Water Street) is the best place to be dropped off.
  • Public Transportation: Several bus routes including the 57, 25 and 64 stop near Gloria Dei. Plan your visit using SEPTA’s travel tools.
  • Bicycle Riding: An Indego bicycle-sharing docking station is less than a block away. We also have a bicycle rack on the premises.
  • Vehicle Parking: Some parking is available in our lot (8 Christian Street). Public parking is also available on adjacent city streets.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The tour will depart promptly at 1 pm.
• Restroom on site will be accessible before the tour departs
• If COVID restrictions are in effect, we will contact you to let you know what to expect.

Sponsored by: