Historic Delaware ship to be featured in National Geographic documentary

Robin Brown -

The Kalmar Nyckel, the ship that brought Delaware its first permanent European settlers in 1638, soon will star in a National Geographic special airing in 124 countries.

And the documentary's acclaimed director-producer, Malcolm Dixelius of Sweden, recently made an appearance in Delaware, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and excerpts of his special set to air in April.

Dixelius, who has been called Sweden's best-known documentary filmmaker, visited the state to be the debut speaker in the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's 2011 public lecture series.

The series, called "SOS: Saving Our Ships -- Ships That Changed the World," also features two other internationally known maritime experts.

They are maritime archaeologist Frederick Hocker of Sweden and Matthew Stackpole of Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, the largest and most prestigious U.S. maritime museum.

Organizers say they were thrilled to get world-class speakers for the foundation's growing educational outreach.

Known for its re-creation of the 1638 settlers' ship, the nonprofit group began public lectures in 2009 under its broader goal of "preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware for the education and enrichment of all," said Samuel W. Heed, senior historian and director of education.

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