A joint resolution to designate 1988 as the "Year of New Sweden" and to recognize the New Sweden '88 American Committee.
PL 99-304 (S.J.Res.289), enacted 05/15/1986

PUBLIC LAW 99-304—MAY 15, 1986 
100 STAT. 439 
Public Law 99-304 
99th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate 1988 as the "Year of New Sweden" and to recognize the New Sweden 
May 15, 1986 
1988 American Committee. 
[S.J. Res. 289] 
Whereas on or about March 29, 1638, the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel 
Grip, ships sent by Sweden to establish a colony in the Delaware 
River Valley, anchored off the "Rocks" on the Christina River in 
what is now the State of Delaware; 
Whereas the colony which they established—New Sweden—was the 
first permanent settlement of Swedes in North America; 
Whereas Swedish settlers were instrumental in the founding of our 
Nation; John Morton of Pennsylvania, a signer of the Declaration 
of Independence, was of Swedish descent, as was John Hanson of 
Maryland, who presided over the Continental Congress from 1781 
through 1782; 
Whereas Swedish immigration to the United States consisted of one 
million two hundred thousand people between the late 1840's and 
the late 1920's, who came here to seek a better life; these settlers 
dispersed to all regions of the United States; 
Whereas the contributions of Swedish-Americans to our way of life 
and our culture have been varied and many; their pioneering 
nature made them leaders in many fields including politics, busi-
ness, education and the arts; 
Whereas it is estimated that today there are four million two 
hundred thousand United States citizens of Swedish descent living 
in every State and involved in every walk of life; 
Whereas 1988 marks the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of 
the arrival of the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip in North 
America; 
Whereas a United States committee—New Sweden 1988—is plan-
ning a series of events and celebrations throughout our Nation to 
commemorate this anniversary; and 
Whereas at the present time, the following American cities and 
States have New Sweden 1988 committees and chairs planning 
local activities: Washington, District of Columbia, Wilmington, 
Philadelphia, New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, 
Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, 
New Jersey, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western 
Illinois: Now, therefore, be it 
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100 STAT. 440 
PUBLIC LAW 99-304—MAY 15, 1986 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That 1988 is hereby des-
ignated as the "Year of New Sweden" in the United States. The 
President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation des-
ignating 1988 as the "Year of New Sweden" and to invite and 
encourage the Governors of the several States, the chief officials of 
local governments and the people of the United States to participate 
in the events and activities that the New Sweden 1988 American 
Committee has planned for 1987 and 1988. 
Approved May 15, 1986. 
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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 289: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): 
Apr. 22, considered and passed Senate. 
Apr. 30, considered and passed House. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 22 (1986): 
May 15, Presidential statement.