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.
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.
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.”

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.
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.