The American Swedish Historical Museum offers a variety of educational programs for all audiences. From school programs, to Swedish language classes to Swedish genealogy, the Museum has something for learners of all ages. 

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Programs for School Children

Virtual Lessons

Discover the American Swedish Historical Museum online from your classroom! Our virtual programs are 1 hour long including an interactive lesson, activities, and a craft. Craft templates and some materials are provided with the program. Pre and post-program materials are available for select programs.

Cost: Online programs are $100 for up to 30 students per lesson.

Did you know that the Swedes were the first Europeans to settle in the Delaware Valley? This program focuses on the founding and legacy of the New Sweden Colony, established in 1638 along the Delaware River. Using Museum collections children will explore how and why the settlement began, learn more about Swedish relations with local Native Americans, and experience elements of colonial daily life! Discover what traces of the New Sweden Colony remain today in Philadelphia and the surrounding area - perfect for children studying Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware History.

Take a journey back in time to the age of the Vikings (800-1100 AD). Children will examine the life of the Vikings and view artifacts to discover more about this often misunderstood culture, and how we are still impacted by it today. Highlights include writing a Viking Saga and learning about runes.

What do you know about Sweden? Get a glimpse into life in Sweden today and some of the traditions that are special to this Nordic nation. From Swedish inventions like Bluetooth technology and Spotify to Swedish environmentalism and recycling to holiday celebrations like St. Lucia Day, this flyover of Swedish life and culture is perfect for students learning about world cultures.

Celebrate holidays the Swedish way! Even though we may celebrate some of the same holidays in the United States, Swedes have many unique traditions. From Midsommarfest, to Easter, to the Lucia festival before Christmas, children will participate in and discover how Swedish holidays differ from our own.

Explore the art of storytelling with the American Swedish Historical Museum! Children will learn about story structure and common themes through Scandinavian folklore and fairytales such as The Ice Queen, Stone Soup, and Knos the Giant. We will then create new characters and plot to act out our own fairytale! This program will also discuss Norse mythology and Viking sagas to compare how different cultures create origin stories to understand the natural world.