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.
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 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.
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.
Have you heard the news? The American Swedish Historical Museum was voted Best Museum by Metro Philly readers in the Metro Philly's first Best of contest!
Join us at the museum as our new exhibition opens. Gain a new perspective on Museum exhibitions with a guided tour. The tour will include current galleries and the new exhibition Tattoo: Identity Through Ink. $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Tours are offered at 1pm and 3pm. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
Gather virtually with fellow ASHM members and explore the branches of your Swedish ancestry. Genealogy Club is a benefit of ASHM membership.
The phenomenon of aurora borealis can be seen across many arctic countries and certainly light up the sky in northern Sweden. Join us for Toddler Time as we read Roaring, Boring Alice by P.K. Merski, dance in a color ballet, and do color mixing science experiments! Toddler Time is Free for ASHM members and 5$ per non-member child, accompanying adult is free.
*Please note that ASHM requires all persons over the age of 2 to wear a mask in the Museum.