Margaret Sooy Bridwell
Swedish Colonial Society’s
First Woman Governor


The Swedish Colonial Society, renowned for its studies of the New Sweden Colony, made history of its own with the election of Margaret Sooy Bridwell as its 33rd Governor, the first female leader of the 100 year-old organization. Governor Bridwell was installed at the Society’s annual Forefathers’ Luncheon, held at the Wilmington Country Club April 11th, 2010.

“It is such an honor and privilege to be elected Governor of this prestigious Society. During the past years, the Swedish Colonial Society has realized many prominent accomplishments, of which we are extremely proud. One of the most important challenges the Society faces in the near future is the establishment of the Craig Collection, in the Brossman Center’s Lutheran Archives on the campus of Philadelphia’s Lutheran Theological Seminary. Upon his demise, Dr. Peter Craig willed his complete library of genealogical books and files to the Swedish Colonial Society. It is imperative that the archival collection be completely functional so future Forefather Member status can be awarded and  attention given to other genealogical inquiries. 

 

Swedish Colonial Society’s
Governor Margaret Bridwell

In addition to the archival projects, the Society will continue its activities of publishing articles and books; preserving historic sites; cooperating with other Swedish organizations and affiliates; and expanding the historical background and knowledge of the New Sweden Colony,” expressed Governor Bridwell.

The Swedish Colonial Society’s former Governor Herbert Rambo noted that over the last century the Society’s research has provided a strong foundation for the study of the New Sweden Colony (1638-1655), the short-lived effort by Sweden to claim a stake in colonial America in the area that is now Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

Mrs. Bridwell is an 11th generation descendent of Olaf Stille and other Swedish settlers including Hans Månsson who arrived from Sweden with Stille in 1641. It was after Ella Stille, Olaf’s daughter, married Hans Månsson that the Månsson name was changed to Steelman, a very popular family name in Southern New Jersey.

“Sally” Bridwell is a career educator who retired from the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, after teaching in Haddon Heights, New Jersey and Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. She was graduated from Rowan University and received her master’s degree from Temple University. Sally and her husband, Nagle, reside in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. They have two children: Mark, in Boston, Massachusetts; Jennifer and her husband, Ted, in Douglassville, Pennsylvania; and six-year-old twin granddaughters, Margaret and Miranda.

In previous years, Mrs. Bridwell served the Swedish Colonial Society as treasurer, Junior Deputy Governor and Senior Deputy Governor. Sally also serves on the Board of Directors of the Swedish Council of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota; the New Sweden Colonial Farmstead, Bridgeton, New Jersey; and the New Sweden Centre, Wilmington, Delaware.