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PHS Flower Show 2022

ASHM is proud to once again be a part of the 2022 PHS Flower Show, "In Full Bloom". The Flower show will be taking place in FDR Park from June 11-19, 2022. As the world evolves, the inherent beauty in nature restores us. One’s garden provides a place for healing and connection. This year’s theme connotes good health, positive well-being, and a passion for life that culminates in a gorgeous and colorful spectacle. Guests will encounter outdoor gardens at the peak of seasonal perfection and beauty that will inspire everyone to plan for a better tomorrow.

Flying to Blåkulla: Letters from an Easter Witch

Discover the Swedish mumming tradition of the Easter Witch (påskkäring) through a family’s handmade Easter letters (påskbrev). This exhibition will trace the traditions of the Easter Witch from the persecution of witches in the 18th century to the present-day celebration where children travel door-to-door collecting candy. Easter letters given to children during the holiday brought joy and fear, as the frightening images depicted witches flying to Blåkulla (Blue Hill), where they danced and dined with the Devil.

FBI Returns Stolen Revolver to ASHM

Revolver on view
Detective Team

Today the American Swedish Historical Museum (ASHM) retrieved an 1861 Colt Revolver that had belonged to Swedish immigrant Major Nere A. Elfwing, who fought in the American Civil War. The revolver was part of a 50-year-old cold case that was cracked by the FBI in 2019. It was stolen from ASHM in the 1970s by Thomas Gavin, who was recently convicted of the series of thefts in the 1960s and 70s.

Virtual Guided Swedish Easter Candy Tasting

Easter witches, feathered branches, paper mâché eggs, and candy scavenger hunts? Sweden certainly has some unique ways of celebrating Easter! Join ASHM and Sweetish Candy as we explore these traditions. Swedish candy expert and store founder Tyler Graybeal will lead a tasting of treats that you will want to be sure end up in your basket this year! The event costs $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration includes one candy kit.

ExtrABBAganza Dance Party!

ABBA’s back, and so are we! What better place to celebrate the iconic music of ABBA than the American Swedish Historical Museum’s 2nd Annual ExtrABBAganza Dance Party. Highlights of the evening include a dancing and costume contest and live performance by Summer St. Cartier, Cherry St. Cartier, Morgan Morgan Morgan, and Amerie Jameson! The event will be held outside on the Museum Terrace with limited capacity.

Tattoo: Identity Through Ink- Villain Arts Reception

ASHM welcomes the Villain Arts Tattoo Convention to Philadelphia with an evening reception to view the exhibition Tattoo: Identity Through Ink. Artists, fans, and body art culture enthusiasts are welcome to gather for this reception exploring the Museum and exhibition. Tattoo: Identity Through Ink tells the story of why people have adorned their bodies with tattoos for more than 5,000 years and highlights influential artists such as Amund Dietzel, the “Master of Milwaukee,” and Crazy Philadelphia Eddie.

Pea Soup Dinner To-Go

Pea Soup To-Go is back by popular demand! Warm-up on a chilly winter’s night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup and traditional trimmings. The dinner package for two includes one quart of Pea Soup, a wedge of Prästost XO Swedish cheese, a package of Crispbread, spicy Swedish mustard, Swedish pancakes, and lingonberry sauce. To-go dinner packages are $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Additional quarts of soup may be purchased for $10. Pre-registration is required.

Semlor

Treat yourself to a rich semla (a Swedish pastry filled with cream and almond paste). Semlor are often eaten before the start of lent, the Swedish version of "Fat Tuesday." This year the Auxiliary will continue the tradition with advanced semlor order and pick-up. Semlor are $6 each and quantities are limited. 

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