Videos

Events and Programs

The Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation sponsors lectures, panel discussions, concerts and other programs every year. Here are videos from some of our recent events.

Preserving Philadelphia

Senior Architectural Conservator Marco Federico discussed the restoration of Benjamin Franklin’s gravestone, repairing the Presbyterian Historical Society terracotta statues, and restoring Old Pine Church’s cast iron fence.

The Perils of the Sea

In Part II, Michael Schreiber shared his research into the lives and deaths of Philadelphia sea captains in the age of sail who were overcome by great hurricanes, succumbed to attacks by pirates, or who mysteriously disappeared in faraway waters.

Ask Us Anything

During this informal Q&A, we answered questions about this national historic site, its early congregants, and the surrounding neighborhood. The panelists were Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams, Jeanette Woehr, Michael Schreiber and Amy Grant. The discussion was moderated by Candace Roberts.

Philadelphia’s Early Maritime History

In Part I of this lecture series, Michael Schreiber described the period when the port of Philadelphia was the largest in North America, and over a hundred ocean-going sailing ships could be seen in the Delaware River on any given day.

A New Art With Us: Music in Colonial Philadelphia

Jack McCarthy traces the development of music in Philadelphia from early European settlement to the Revolutionary War, a period in which the city’s musical landscape went from barren to flourishing.

The Amazing Success of Philly’s William Penn

Find out “How William Penn turned a ‘howling wilderness’ into America’s fastest growing city.” Author and tour guide Jim Murphy discusses what Philly was really like when William Penn got here in 1682.

How Philly Neighborhoods Killed the Crosstown Expressway

A diverse group of neighborhood activists in the late ’60s and early ’70s stopped the Crosstown Expressway in its tracks and kept the South Street area from being destroyed by an 8-lane, block-wide depressed highway.

Personal Memories of Fabric Row

On April 20, 2017, the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation and Queen Village Neighbors Association hosted a panel discussion called “Personal Memories of Fabric Row.” The event featured several long-timers who lived and worked in “The Jewish Quarter.”

Unsinkable Patriot: the Life and Times of Thomas Cave

History sleuth Michael Schreiber shares the story behind his recent book, “Unsinkable Patriot: The Life and Times of Thomas Cave in Revolutionary America.”

4th Annual Spirits & History

At our 4th Annual Spirits & History, guests enjoyed delectable treats by chefs Reuben Asaram and Cory Powell, stories about some of the artists buried here, and wonderful jazz music courtesy of The Jazz Sanctuary

FILAMENT Performs " Sonata Opus 1 no. 6 in D minor"

FILAMENT is a chamber ensemble, formed in 2019, of Philadelphia-based period-instrument soloists.

Colonial Day at Old Swedes Church

On May 2, 2015, Old Swedes Church brought back Colonial Day, an event that was highly popular in the 1930s and 40s. In this re-imagining, we celebrated our Swedish and American Colonial history.

FILAMENT Performs "Ciaccona"

FILAMENT is a chamber ensemble, formed in 2019, of Philadelphia-based period-instrument soloists.

General History and Education

Why Gloria Dei is Special

Church historian Jeanette Woehr shares her personal journey with Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and explains why this property is worthy of preservation.

The First Gloria Dei

This the story behind the very first Gloria Dei Church, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Spring at Gloria Dei

There is beauty to be found at Gloria Dei. This video features our churchyard in early spring of 2020. Many thanks to Matt Johanning for creating this.