A significant rededication ceremony took place on Sunday at the historic Old Swedes Burial Ground in Chester, commemorating the successful completion of a three-year, $200,000 restoration project. This event drew hundreds of participants who gathered to celebrate the revitalization of this previously neglected Revolutionary-era site.
The ceremony, held over the Memorial Day weekend, honored the restoration of the burial ground, which is the final resting place for Declaration of Independence signer John Morton, 11 Revolutionary War veterans, and over 700 individuals. The Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR) played a significant role in this transformation.
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots was present at the ceremony, joined by PSSDAR State Society Regent Marguerite Fritsch, project co-chairs Barb Shaw and Cyndy Sweeney, and Friends of Old St. Paul’s & Swedish Burial Ground co-founder Christie Cole Logan. Together, they unveiled the beautifully restored cemetery to a crowd that was both enthusiastic and appreciative of the effort put into the restoration.
Marguerite Fritsch shared her deep connection to the cemetery, having first visited it in 1986 when she became a member of the DAR. Every Memorial Day, Fritsch, along with the DAR and the Children of the American Revolution, would lay a wreath on Morton’s grave, signifying the cemetery’s integral role in the area’s history.
As the leader of the state DAR, Fritsch resolved to prioritize this cemetery as a state project in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The impetus for this decision intensified after two vehicles collided with the cemetery’s fence in late 2022, prompting her to ensure that the restoration occurred.
Fritsch remarked during the ceremony, “Today we witness more than the restoration of historic stones. We’re reclaiming Chester’s pivotal role in founding our nation.” She underscored the restored dignity of those interred at the cemetery and highlighted the heritage that positions Chester as Pennsylvania’s oldest city.
The comprehensive restoration, as noted, highlighted 169 grave markers, including 11 grave sites of Revolutionary-era figures that had remained unacknowledged for over a century. Professional conservators meticulously restored a total of 60 headstones, eight ledger stones, and an almost completely demolished box tomb. Furthermore, landscape architects rehabilitated the grounds with period-appropriate plantings and pathways, enhancing the visual appeal and historical integrity of the site.
Mayor Roots expressed his gratitude for the project, acknowledging its significant impact on the community. “The Pennsylvania DAR has given our city a lasting gift that honors our founders and will inspire generations to come,” he stated.
The rededication ceremony also featured guided tours that showcased the restored John Morton Monument, a newly constructed entrance adorned with vintage gates created by BAC Local 1 Bricklayers apprentices, and interpretive displays that highlighted the burial ground’s connections to the Revolutionary War.
John Morton himself played a crucial role in American history. His decisive vote broke Pennsylvania’s deadlock on independence, helping transform 13 divided colonies into a united nation fighting for freedom. Despite facing ostracism for his critical decision, Morton stated that his contributions would only be appreciated posthumously. Cole Logan eloquently reflected, “As Revolutionary troops unknowingly marched past Morton’s grave along the Washington-Rochambeau route to Yorktown, they embodied the very liberty he helped secure.”
The timing of this restoration aligns with the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The cemetery will continue to thrive under stewardship, with plans for educational programs and efforts to integrate the site into regional historical tourism initiatives.
Many descendants of those buried at the site attended the rededication ceremony. Additionally, members of the PSSDAR from across Pennsylvania participated, representing a collective commitment to historic preservation with 94 active chapters statewide and over 6,400 members.
The Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a group of women from diverse backgrounds united in their dedication to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The organization welcomes any woman aged 18 and older who can demonstrate lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For additional information regarding membership, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a non-profit and non-political women’s volunteer service organization, boasts over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters globally. Members of the DAR trace their lineage to patriots who played a role in the Revolutionary War and engage in community service projects focused on historic preservation, education, and patriotism. More information can be found at their official website: www.dar.org.
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