Visit the Copeland Maritime Center and Museum

Welcome

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s 3D animated exhibit takes you on a fantastic voyage back in time for an inside look at the differences between our modern-day replica and the original Kalmar Nyckel on her first voyage from Sweden.

Through the magic of 3D animation, Captain Lauren and Captain Sharon explain how we can remove the ship’s modern engines, electricity, plumbing, navigation equipment, and safety gear to restore it to the condition of the original ship.  Learn more and view the film.

The Forney Collection: Watercraft Of The World

The Watercraft of the World gallery is home to the Forney Collection, comprised of 73 model ships and boats gathered from around the world. From three-masted ships and schooners to South Asian junks and outrigger canoes, you will be surprised by the vast range of watercraft, which come from all seven seas and seven continents. 

A stylized map of the earth is rendered on the gallery floor so that visitors can imagine the origins and uses of these vessels. Let your mind wander to faraway places as you enjoy the intricate rigging and artistic details of each model.

Special thanks to Bob and Marilyn Forney for donating this collection to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in 2014. 

Battle of Buchan Ness: Epitaph for an Exceptional Ship

BATTLE OF BUCHAN NESS: Epitaph for an Exceptional Ship exhibit tells the story of the original Kalmar Nyckel’s last battle when she was sunk off the coast of Scotland in 1652. The exhibit focus is a specially-commissioned oil painting by renowned marine artist Patrick O’Brien. Based on KNF research, we chose to depict this well-documented event and also present it on wall-sized light box.

After a long and legendary career with the Swedish Royal Navy,  Kalmar Nyckel returned to the Netherlands and met her demise while protecting the valuable Dutch herring fleet from the English. It was considered the opening engagement of what would be called the First Anglo-Dutch War. Learn more about this massive battle that involved more than 700 ships.

We are grateful to long-time KNF supporter, entrepreneur, and author Arkadi Kuhlmann for underwriting this major project.

Destination Delaware

Destination Delaware: Fort Christina, First Log Cabins, and the New Sweden Frontier, our newest permanent exhibit, presents the arrival of Swedes and Finns to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. Discover Fort Christina and the story of the original Kalmar Nyckel's first landing at “The Rocks” in the spring of 1638. Explore an authentic Finnish log cabin and learn how the Colony of New Sweden impacted our region. 

Check out a brief video visit with New Castle County Matt Meyer at our Opening Reception on October 13, 2021.

The Riverfront Room

The Riverfront Room chronicles Wilmington's role as an industrial powerhouse from before the Civil War through the end of World War II.  Rediscover the forgotten "city that launched 10,000 ships and built 30,000 railcars," the river-and-rail network that made Wilmington famous.

Find archival photos, model trains, and original maps that show how these manufacturers benefited from the depth of the Christina River and the proximity of the nation’s first North-South railroad line (today’s Amtrak corridor).

Explore Wilmington’s connection to Civil War iron-clads of the Monitor-type and Swedish-American design genius John Ericsson.

Learn about the famous ships and railcars built in Wilmington, including today’s Kalmar Nyckel, the last ship built in Wilmington. 

Kalmar Nyckel: Key To The Kingdom

The Key to the Kingdom exhibit provides a visual exploration of Kalmar, Sweden; the city that gave its name to our ship and the original Sister City of Wilmington, Delaware.

With centuries of cultural ties and decades of diplomatic and student exchanges, there is a long-standing tradition of mutual respect and appreciation between Kalmar and Wilmington.

A remarkable crystal carving that commemorates the Kalmar Nyckel sailing the ocean is on display in this exhibit. Presented as a gift in 1963 by Swedish Prince Bertil from the citizens of Kalmar to the citizens of Wilmington, it marks the inauguration of the Sister Cities program. This precious glass sculpture represents the crystal-making artistry for which the Kalmar region is known. 

Science Of Sailing

Science of Sailing correlates the STEM concepts and terminology that sailors have used for centuries to navigate the seas. From the earliest forms of navigation including dead reckoning and celestial navigation to the scientific data used today, this exhibit highlights nautical concepts including stability and sailing along with metrics for angles of sail, displacement, tonnage, and ballistics for armament.

STEM concepts are on full display in a space that doubles as a classroom or a breakout space for special events. Even the floor is used to simulate latitude and longitude for maritime navigation.