For more than a century, the Delaware County Chapter, NSDAR, has faithfully gathered at Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground to honor the patriots and veterans who helped shape our nation’s story. In 2026, during America’s 250th anniversary year, the Friends of Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground are honored to join the Delaware County DAR and the John Morton Society, NSCAR for this meaningful Memorial Day remembrance.
The service will take place in one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and most historic burial grounds, where generations of early Chester residents, Revolutionary-era patriots, and civic leaders rest. Among them is John Morton, signer of the Declaration of Independence and a member of St. Paul’s Church, whose final vote in favor of independence helped secure Pennsylvania’s support for the American cause.
Immediately following the service, attendees are invited to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for an open house co-hosted by the Friends. Guests may enjoy a self-guided sanctuary tour, view John Morton artifacts owned by the Delaware County Historical Society and share light refreshments.
Whether you are a longtime supporter, a student of American history, a descendant, a neighbor, or someone who has never before visited this sacred place, we invite you to come experience the history, remembrance, and community spirit of Memorial Day at Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground. This is a rare opportunity to stand where Chester’s earliest stories meet the founding history of the United States.
The Friends’ goals are to elevate awareness, educate and complete the restoration of Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground, the oldest graveyard in Pennsylvania. The effort will result in 1) a place of rest befitting all souls and particularly the resting place of John Morton, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence; 2) the creation
The Friends’ goals are to elevate awareness, educate and complete the restoration of Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground, the oldest graveyard in Pennsylvania. The effort will result in 1) a place of rest befitting all souls and particularly the resting place of John Morton, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence; 2) the creation of a beautiful respite amid a busy 21st Century world; and 3) the development of programming to raise awareness for the historic colonial role of Chester.
Physical program components include the discovery and restoration of buried headstones, replacing the brick and iron fence wall surrounding the graveyard, improving the infrastructure, and providing perpetual care for the half-acre burial ground, a national historical site of significance. The work must be approached with care due to the
Physical program components include the discovery and restoration of buried headstones, replacing the brick and iron fence wall surrounding the graveyard, improving the infrastructure, and providing perpetual care for the half-acre burial ground, a national historical site of significance. The work must be approached with care due to the sensitive nature of the 380-year-old Graveyard. The oldest marker dates to 1704 and multiple burials abutt the perimeter walls.
Our vision is to foster a strong community of citizens, historians, genealogists, preservationists, and cemetery enthusiasts. Together, we will become the new messengers of the burial ground’s witness to Pennsylvania's history. Our educational programs and experiences are designed to instill a sense of pride in Chester and its citizens as
Our vision is to foster a strong community of citizens, historians, genealogists, preservationists, and cemetery enthusiasts. Together, we will become the new messengers of the burial ground’s witness to Pennsylvania's history. Our educational programs and experiences are designed to instill a sense of pride in Chester and its citizens as the first settlement in New Sweden, the landing of William Penn, the first town in Pennsylvania, the legacy of St. Paul’s Church, and the final resting place of John Morton, a Founding Father of the United States of America.
Old St. Paul's is the resting place of John Morton, a Swede and farmer, whose vote tipped the scale of Pennsylvania delegates in favor of the Revolution. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the committee Chair until his death for the development of the Articles of Confederation.
