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.
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.
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.