Tom Romansky photographer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2020
Celebration of New Jersey’s Swedish History
On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 pm, a group of 20 gathered at the New Sweden Heritage Monument in Riverview Beach Park to recognize June 6 th as Swedens National Day and the 16th anniversary of the dedication of the monument. The group, members of the New Sweden and Swedish Colonial Society along with family members and Mayor Robert Mc Dade expressed gratitude to the early Swedes and Finns who arrived in New Jersey not long after New Sweden Colony was founded in 1638, just across the river in what is now Wilmington, Delaware. They lived peacefully with the Native Lenape and multicultural settlers including Dutch and French Hugenots.
Mayor Mc Dade offered comments about the monument, complimenting Alease Hogate for her crucial role in working with local government to approve the monument, to fundraising, to selecting the rock, to overseeing the construction and dedication of the monument. A circle of friendship (with today’s social distancing) echoed the circle made when the monument was dedicated on June 6, 2004.
The two children Wesley and Julia Brabson pictured at the monument are descendants of the Sinnickson family. After the ceremony, some of the group moved into the park to enjoy a picnic lunch.
New Sweden Centre
P.O. Box 12001
Wilmington, DE 19850
302-429-0464
Aleasa Hogate, Vice President
New Sweden Centre
856-678-5511
Goaleasa@aol.com