Viking Sword

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While we often consider the Vikings as raiders, they were also crafty merchants and brilliant navigators. Spears and shields were more common weapons for Vikings while only the wealthiest warriors carried swords.

Cloak Pins

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Archaeologists unearthed these cloak pins in Ireland, showing the extent to which the Vikings settled other lands.

Etching of Grover Cleveland

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The American Swedish Historical Museum is only one of six museums in the United States with a collection of Anders Zorn’s work. Our collection includes his well-known etchings of American presidents Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Howard Taft, among a number of other figures.

John Ericsson Solar Model

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Gravitational energy, solar steam engines, and tidal power … sounds like science fiction, right? Think again! Swedish-American inventor, John Ericsson, was ahead of his time when he researched such theories in the mid to late 1800s. Ericsson invented this solar-powered steam engine, for example, to reduce the use of coal.

Sinnickson Chest

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Sinnick Broer, a Finn, brought this painted iron strongbox to the New Sweden colonies in 1656.

Where The Children Sleep Exhibition Opens October 21, 2017

It can be difficult to describe a museum’s role in society.  We teach about the past—but look to the future. We tell the stories of extraordinary individuals—but use them to understand all humanity. And we provide a calm space—but dare visitors to question their beliefs. No matter our individual missions, museums share these challenges and one overarching goal: to provide an experience that builds a greater feeling of empathy, an experience that allows one to sense the invisible ties binding all people both past and present.

Lucia Rehearsals

Museum members are invited to have their children participate in our annual Lucia performance on December 1st and 2nd . They are sure to have fun dressing up as tomtar, Pepparkakor, folk dancers, star boys, and Lucia and her attendants while singing traditional Swedish Christmas songs. Attendance at both rehearsals is required.

New Sweden History Conference

New Sweden Beyond the Delaware, 1638-1776

The 2017 theme will explore the migration of Swedish colonists from the original landing point of Wilmington Delaware to the greater Delaware Valley and east coast region. Speakers include Brian Crane, Sean Moir, Laurie Fitzpatrick, Catharine Dann Roeber, and Becky Griswold.

Registration includes breakfast and lunch, located at the Lazaretto Ballroom 99 Wanamaker Ave, Essington, PA 19029.

Cost: $60 per person ($35 for students and teachers). Early bird $50 registration by October 13.