The American Swedish Historical Museum is the oldest Museum in the country. Founded in 1926 in South Philadelphia, the Museum exists for the preservation and promotion of Swedish and Swedish-American cultural heritage and traditions. It has been doing so for over 80 years now.

It was founded in the same year that marked the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was for this reason that a group of Swedish Americans were inspired to build the museum as a permanent monument to Swedish contributions in the country. It sits on a land that used to be a part of the 17th-century land grant from Queen Christina of Sweden to colonist Sven Skute.

The American Swedish Historical Museum provides a place of gathering for Swedes, Swedish-Americans, and people from of nationalities who have an appreciation for the contributions of Swedish to history, architecture, art, music, science and technology. The Museum currently houses 12 permanent, one changing gallery, and a library. Three of the galleries are dedicated to the history of the New Sweden Colony, which was established in the Delaware Valley.