Toddler Time: Exploring Colors
Amazing colors can be found all around us! Kids will explore color throughout the Museum, play color matching games, and create their own colorful crafts.
A Meal to Remember: Live Mystery Theater Experience!
Attention, attention! The American Historical Swedish Museum is inviting you to an event like no other!
On February 14th, 2026, internationally touring, interactive historical theatre company, Live History, is putting on a performance just for the American Swedish Historical Museum.
Before the Doors Open is a seated, immersive historical mystery where time is on the brink of collapse.
Semlor and a Movie
Treat yourself to a rich semla, a cream and almond paste filled Swedish pastry, along with a cup of hot coffee and a Swedish film. Semlor are often eaten before the start of lent, the Swedish version of “Fat Tuesday.”
Event tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the door. Ticket price includes one semla, additional semlor are $6 each. If you can't stay for the movie, no problem. You can still purchase semlor for pick up on Saturday, February 7th only. Walk-ins are welcome, or pre-register online by February 4th.
Third Thursday Virtual Program: ASHM’s Centennial Kick-off!
As the Museum begins its 100th-anniversary celebration, we invite you to step back in time. Join us for a screening of the little-known, Oscar-nominated 1943 black-and-white documentary short "Swedes in America" narrated by Ingrid Bergman and featuring some of the earliest footage ever recorded of the Museum. Following the screening, we will explore the film’s origins and its connections to World War II–era propaganda.
Exhibition Opening – Indivisible: Stories of Strength
Due to an unexpected mechanical issue at the Museum, the opening for Indivisible: Stories of Strength will now be held on THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH.
Genealogy Meeting
Gather with fellow ASHM members and explore the branches of your Swedish ancestry! Genealogy Club is a benefit of ASHM membership.
Pea Soup Dinner
Warm up on a chilly winter’s night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup! Dinner is served with sharp Swedish cheese, mustard, and bread, with Swedish pancakes and coffee for dessert. There will also be a cash bar.
Gather with friends and family to enjoy time together at the Museum.
Pre-registration is required by January 26th. $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers.
The event is now sold out.
Lucia & Christmas Market
Don’t miss this unique magical holiday experience! The outdoor Christmas Market includes your favorite holiday deli items, Christmas decorations and gifts, and SWEA bakery treats. The Swedish Christmas Café will sell holiday foods and sweets for refreshment. Enjoy live music holiday music by the Last Chance duo throughout the day. During the market, shoppers can experience the Lucia children’s program at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm.
The Market will take place in our heated tent outside, and Lucia performances will be in the Grand Hall. Shoppers can enjoy the day, rain or shine!
Global Quizzo - Scandinavia, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia
Join globally-minded Philadelphians for a fun evening of Global Quizzo at the American Swedish Historical Museum! Attendees will test their knowledge of all things Philly, Scandinavia, history, pop culture, and international happenings!
Meet fellow trivia fans and invite friends to join a team for a lively game night starting at 7:00 pm.
Free program with cash bar and food available for purchase.
This program is presented in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
Indivisible: Stories of Strength
Thanks to a grant from the William Penn Foundation, we are excited to announce our next exhibition collaboration with SEAMAAC titled Indivisible: Stories of Strength, an exploration of identity and culture among native and immigrant Philadelphians. This exhibition will feature a video series, collaborative art pieces, and new artwork in collage, ceramics, and photography created by artists from SEAMAAC’s art resiliency workshops led by artists Shira Walinsky, Marguerita Hagan, Eugenio Salas, Rena Fruchter, and Donna Backues.