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.
Philadelphia’s Early Maritime History
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. He will also related the story of the Enoch Turley, a pilot boat that was lost in a gale at the Delaware capes in 1889—although some say that its ghost image still appears.
Ask Us Anything
Ask Us Anything about the New Sweden Colony, Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and Early Philadelphia. 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.
The Perils of the Sea
As part of its 2021 lecture series, the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation presented researcher and writer Michael Schreiber speaking on “The Perils of the Sea.” 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.
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 Neighbors Killed the Crosstown Expressway
A diverse group of neighborhood activists in the late ’60s and early ’70s kept the South Street area from being destroyed by an 8-lane, block-wide depressed highway.
Personal Memories of Fabric Row
This panel discussion featured several long-timers who lived and worked in “The Jewish Quarter.” They reminisced about the people, peddlers and pushcart owners who made this area a unique and marvelous experience.
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 and History
Guests enjoyed delectable treats, 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. They performed a benefit for HGDPC in 2020.
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”
On Jan. 19, 2020, FILAMENT performed a special concert at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia.
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
Live Music
The Jazz Sanctuary’s 500th event
Pre-COVID-19, The Jazz Sanctuary celebrated their 500th Event and created a 45-minute video compilation featuring 8 songs.
The Jazz Sanctuary Live
During the pandemic, the Jazz Sanctuary created a series of videos in a studio to replicate the live performance experience.
The Great American Songbook
The Jazz Sanctuary has created a video to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. It features vocalist Paula Johns and Lynn Riley on the alto sax.