In this lecture series, explore the fascinating history of the New Sweden Colony and the legacy the settlement and its people had on Philadelphia and beyond. The lectures will be held monthly from January through April. The first three will be held via Zoom, and the last lecture in April will be at the American Swedish Historical Museum.
This month's lecture will be presented by Jay Smith on "An Introduction to John Morton: America's Finnish Founding Father"
John Morton (1725-1777) was a farmer, surveyor, and government officer from Chester County, Pennsylvania. He descended from a long line of Swedish and Finnish families who first settled along the Delaware River in the 1640s. During his short life, Morton held many important government positions ranging from justice of the peace to Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly. In the summer of 1776, as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Morton famously casted a decisive vote in favor of American independence. Despite his prominent role in Pennsylvania and American history, very little is known about Morton because his personal correspondence of letters and papers have been lost over time—a likely result of the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign as the British Army blazed across Chester County en route to capture the rebel capital of Philadelphia. Join local historian and archivist John E. Smith III for a presentation about Morton’s life and legacy. John will highlight Morton’s Finnish ancestry, childhood upbringing, civic career, political positions, and historical significance. As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and reflect on all things related to the Revolution, join us for an opportunity to learn more about this forgotten Founding Father.
This lecture series is presented in partnership with the Swedish Colonial Society, the American Swedish Historical Museum, the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Old Swedes Historic Site, the McNeil Center for Early American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, the New Sweden Centre, the New Sweden Alliance, the Finnish American Society of the Delaware Valley, and the University of Delaware.
This month's virtual lecture is sponsored by the Finnish-American Society of the Delaware Valley and is free to attend, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Spaces are limited. Be sure to register today!