Just Do It

Viking Day

by Ptah Gabrie

Sat., May 3, 1-4 p.m., $5-$6, American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., 215-389-1776, americanswedish.org

When William Penn stepped off the Welcome, one of the first things he did was head for the closest tavern and get a drink. He wasn't the first European to start a colony in the Delaware Valley — in fact, the Swedish began moving into the tri-state area in 1638 and had a well-established settlement in what would later become Philadelphia. This Saturday, the American Swedish Historical Museum celebrates more than 370 years of Swedish heritage in the new world with Viking Day. Actors dressed in traditional garb will provide a glimpse into the lives of these early Swedes with a historically accurate Viking encampment. They'll discuss traditional trades such as shipbuilding, and a 40-foot replica of an actual Viking ship will be on site for exploring. Visitors can also learn how to play Hnefatafl, an ancient form of chess and a fave Viking pastime.

According to museum educator Tricia Davies, Viking Day is an opportunity to dispel the negative connotations surrounding Vikings, who were actually a complex society with a defined culture as opposed to sea-faring barbarians. "They were sophisticated traders and sailors," she says. "I want [visitors] to see the multifaceted nature of Vikings instead of just the violence and the raiding they were known for."