Launched in 1928, the same year construction of the American Swedish Historical Museum was completed, the Swedish ocean liner Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style. The Kungsholm’s fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression.
People from the Nordic nations love being outdoors. Join us as we explore the history of Nordic navigation, compasses, and the modern-day sport of orienteering.
This season, the Franklin Institute presents Vikings: Beyond the Legend, asking: Who were the Vikings? How did they live?
You can tie nearly everything that the American Swedish Historical Museum does to the word ‘home.’ Our founder sought to celebrate the Swedes who had made America their new home, we preserve and interpret the artifacts used within our ancestors’ homes, and we remind Swedes and Scandinavians that, among friends and family at our cultural celebrations, they should consider the Museum as another home.
“The Jenny Lind mania still continues, like a snow ball, which – crescit eundo – grows larger as it rolls.” – “Jenny Lind in the Metropolis,” The New York Herald, September 5, 1850
-Dr. Hanna Rydh, Women in the Ancient North, 1926
2018 has been a year of momentous elections in Sweden and America. As newly-elected representatives decide upon issues of immigration, social policies, and globalism, we reflect upon the histories of progressivism and human rights that have pushed both countries onto the world stage today.
Break out bell bottoms and platform shoes! What better place to celebrate the iconic music of ABBA than the American Swedish Historical Museum. DJ Drake will spin the throwbacks as everyone lets out their inner Dancing Queen. Highlights of the evening will include a dancing and costume contest along with a few surprises!
Get inspired by the From the Heart, Made by Hand: Treasures from the Women of Sweden exhibit and create your own hemslöjd (or home craft) work of art! Choose from two different workshop options; create a wall hanging on a rigid heddle loom with Philadelphia Guild of Hand Weavers or learn the basics of wheat weaving and make a plait design with Linda Beiler. Space is very limited for each class, so make sure to sign up in advance, either by calling the museum or signing up online using the link below. $30 member, $35 non-member.
Treat yourself to a rich semla, a cream and almond paste filled Swedish pastry, along with a cup of hot coffee and the Swedish film Hotell starring Alicia Wikander. Semlor are often eaten before the start of lent, the Swedish version of “Fat Tuesday.” Event tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Ticket price includes one semla, additional semlor are $6 each. Walk-in welcome or pre-register by phone or online by February 7th.