Stockholm, 16 June 2002 (from left): United States Ambassador to Sweden Charles A. Heimbold, Swedish National Heritage Board Acting Chief of Staff Hans Ling, Swedish Colonial Society Governor Herbert R. Rambo, Stockholm Lord Mayor Axel Wennerholm, and Swedish Colonial Society Councillor James D. Seagers (photo: Doriney Seagers).

Stockholm, 16 June 2002 (from left): United States Ambassador to Sweden Charles A. Heimbold, Swedish National Heritage Board Acting Chief of Staff Hans Ling, Swedish Colonial Society Governor Herbert R. Rambo, Stockholm Lord Mayor Axel Wennerholm, and Swedish Colonial Society Councillor James D. Seagers (photo: Doriney Seagers).

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has bestowed the Royal Order of the Polar Star to Herbert R. Rambo, Governor of the Swedish Colonial Society, for his leadership within the Swedish American community.

Stockholm Lord Mayor Axel Wennerholm presented the Knighthood at a City Hall dinner party attended by United States Ambassador to Sweden Charles A. Heimbold, Swedish National Heritage Board Acting Chief of Staff Hans Ling, and members of the Swedish Colonial Society who were touring Sweden.

“With the support of his wife, Zofia, Governor Rambo has proven to be a most effective advocate for celebrating America’s Swedish heritage and strengthening the centuries old friendship between the people of Sweden and America,” the Mayor noted.

Ambassador Heimbold offered congratulations and said he “was pleased to be part of such an auspicious occasion,” and the recognition was, “well deserved and an incentive to continue this important work.

In acceptance remarks Rambo expressed his appreciation saying, “whatever successes we’ve enjoyed have been made possible by the many individuals. This is a proud moment for me, but also for all those who contribute so much towards the study and celebration of our shared heritage. There are several organizations that can legitimately view this award as recognition for their hard work. Thank you.”

The Swedish Colonial Society’s research and publications are the foundation for all studies of the New Sweden Colony, an important chapter from America’s colonial history. Swedes and Finns first settled along the Delaware River in 1638 and maintained their cultural ties to Sweden despite the adversity of Dutch and English governmental domination.

Since its founding at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1909, the Swedish Colonial Society has been privileged to have the King of Sweden as High Patron. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf continues a tradition dating back to his great grandfather, King Gustav V. The Ambassador of Sweden to the United States, Consul General of Sweden at New York and Honorary Consul of Sweden at Philadelphia are Patrons of the Society.

The Swedish Colonial Society has a national award winning website at www.ColonialSwedes.org and publishes the Swedish Colonial News. With the financial support of the American Scandinavian Foundation, the Society joins with the University of Pennsylvania and the American Swedish Historical Museum, to sponsor the annual “New Sweden Conference” which focuses on Swedish colonial life and history.

Membership in the Society is available to anyone interested in the study of New Sweden and Colonial America. Those able to prove descent from a New Sweden colonist living in America between 1638 and the end of the American Revolution in 1783 are eligible for status as a “Forefather Members.”

Governor Rambo is a member of one of America’s oldest Swedish families. Ancestor Peter Gunnarson Rambo (1611-1698) came to America in 1640 with the 2nd Swedish Expedition. In 1647 he married Britta Mattsdotter from Vasa, Finland. Their distinctive surname is derived from Ramberget Mountain near Gothenburg.

He and his wife are members of Trinity Episcopal (Old Swedes) Church, Swedesboro, NJ, where his ancestors were among the founders. He is active with the Church’s Tercentennial Celebration, which begins in October 2002.

Recently Governor Rambo was named Opening Ceremony Host at Scandinavian Fest, held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend in Stanhope, NJ. As the representative of the Ancient Swedes and Colonial Finns, Governor Rambo will visit North America’s largest Scandinavian event, Norsk Host Fest, Minot, N. D., with its 60,000 plus visitors.

He is an Honorary Member of the Eastern Division of the American Union of Swedish Singers, Timmen Stiddem Society and Army of Gustavus Adolphus II. He is active with the American Swedish Historical Museum, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, New Sweden Centre; Friends of the Swedish Cabin, Mouns Jones Country Festival and Christ (Old Swedes) Church “Patriot’s Lucia.

Rambo is a member of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Washington Crossing Foundation, the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, Continental Line and Mizpah-Haddon Heights Masonic Lodge #191.