The Dalahäst or Dala Horse is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of Sweden. These hand-carved and painted wooden figures were historically a children’s toy but over time evolved into iconic folk-art from the Dalarna province. A symbol of welcome and friendship, Dala Horses have become collectible and come in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Whatever the weather is in Sweden or Philadelphia, kids worldwide experience the forces of nature. Join us this month to learn how the weather differs across the globe and read “What’s the Weather?” from Scholastic. Families will tour the Museum looking for different types of weather in art and objects. Toddler Time is free for ASHM members and $5 per non-member child, accompany adult is free.
Register below or pay at the door.
Join us this month to explore our exhibition Flying to Blåkulla: Letters from an Easter Witch. Families will learn about the Swedish tradition of Easter Witches as we read “Lotta’s Easter Surprise” by Astrid Lindgren. Children will enjoy Easter Witch dress-up and create their own Easter Witch letter.
Register below or pay at the door.
Join us for this fundraising dinner to celebrate our 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award Honorees, Adam Joseph and Oskar Lindblom. Guests will enjoy Valborg night festivities, a silent auction, and a three-course dinner by Jeffrey A. Miller Catering. Seating is limited; RSVP by April 8th, 2022. Please note, that proof of vaccination is required to attend the event.
Dinner Ticket Levels
Join us for this virtual lecture Tattoos for Human Health: The Future of Smart Tattoos, with Dr. Carson J. Bruns. Dr. Bruns is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. During this lecture, they will be share exciting developments in the world of high-tech tattoos. This lecture is free, please register below to receive the Zoom link.
Check out Dr. Bruns TEDTalk on the subject.
Lecture Abstract:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.