History Resources
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation has developed a library of historical resources for those interested in learning more about our story and history. Explore our collection of free digitized and born-digital materials. We are constantly learning new things and updating our work.
Final Voyage of the Kalmar Nyckel: Epitaph for an Exceptional Ship
New research in the Dutch archives uncovered the final chapter in the career of the original Kalmar Nyckel, one of the great ships of the 17th century. After decades of guesswork and speculation, we now know Kalmar Nyckel was sunk in a naval battle off the coast of Scotland on July 22, 1652.
Last Voyage of the Kalmar Nyckel Original Annotated Essay
Discover the full story and chronology of the original ship’s last battle on July 22, 1652. Read the full-length version of the original essay with research and annotated footnotes, along with a complete translation of the Ship’s Inventory from 1652 (cited in the Sea History, Spring 2021 article.)
Educational Video Library
Our video library uncovers Kalmar Nyckel’s history, mechanics, and much more. Discover the difference between the original ship and our modern replica in Tall Ship Time Machine. Take a tour below decks with Captain Sharon and learn how to navigate at sea with Captain Lauren.
Kalmar Nyckel Guidebook
The complete history of the original
Kalmar Nyckel and today’s ship. Note: New archival research conducted since its 2008 publication, tells us that
Kalmar Nyckel
was built in an Amsterdam shipyard in 1627 (not 1625) and sank on July 22, 1652, fighting for the Dutch against the English in the Battle of Buchan Ness, in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.
Kalmar Nyckel Sails Again
Part history and part story, this digital booklet provides a fresh perspective on Delaware’s early colonial history and Kalmar Nyckel’s first voyage. The Atlantic Ocean was an enormous “first frontier” in the 17th century, and any accounting of America’s colonial experience should include this maritime world.
New Sweden and Axel Oxenstierna: Podcast by Historian Herman Lindqvist
Prominent Swedish historian Herman Lindqvist talks with host Anders Lundin about the first Swedish settlers who made the transatlantic voyage on the
Kalmar Nyckel to start the colony of New Sweden. Generously translated by Henrik Fagelberg with support from Lisa Johansson Wessel and Åke Fagelberg.
Download English Translation | Download Background on Translation | Podcast in Swedish