Connecting Generations Locally & Globally
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Beginning in 1852, and peaking around the 1880's, Swedes came to Rockford by the thousands to seek their fortunes. They were part of the mass migration that eventually brought 60 million people to these shores. They reflected in their journeys the hopes and fears of other immigrant groups. They came to escape poverty, to enjoy freedom of expression, to participate in the political process, to worship (or not) and sometimes simply find adventure*.
*excerpt from SwedeTown by John Lundin |
The Swedish Historical Society of Rockford was established in 1938 by a group from Rockford after visiting the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Swedes in North America. This celebration was held in Delaware, where once there was a Swedish colony. The Society was officially formed on January 31, 1939 and incorporated in Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation on November 29, 1950.
The Swedish Historical Society is organized exclusively for historical, educational, and charitable purposes. In harmony with this purpose is the operation of the Erlander Home Museum and Nordic Cultural Center. SHS strives for the preservation of Swedish-American history and Nordic culture of Rockford through such activities as the conservation of artifacts, museum displays and educational programs. |
2020 Calendar Announced!
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Mark your calendars for these annual events happening in 2020!
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Annual Meeting Date Announced! RSVP today!
The 2020 Annual Meeting will be held on March 15th at 1:00pm at the Stockholm Inn. The annual meeting is open to all Swedish Historical members at a cost of $ 14.00 per person.
Please come and enjoy a meal prepared by the Stockholm Inn while reviewing a wonderful 2019 at the Swedish Historical Society!
The meal will be Queen Silvia Chicken with lingonberry sauce, boiled potatoes, salad, cardamom rolls, lingonberry jello and cherry crisp for dessert. Refreshments will include tea/ coffee and Pepsi products. New members of the Swedish Historical Society board will be announced, awards will be given honorary board members and to volunteer of the year.
We look forward to celebrating a great 2019 year at Swedish Historical, while ushering in a bigger and better 2020! Please RSVP to 815-963-5559 or email museum@swedishhistorical.org by March 12th, 2020.
Need to renew your membership before the Annual Meeting? Click here for membership information!
Please come and enjoy a meal prepared by the Stockholm Inn while reviewing a wonderful 2019 at the Swedish Historical Society!
The meal will be Queen Silvia Chicken with lingonberry sauce, boiled potatoes, salad, cardamom rolls, lingonberry jello and cherry crisp for dessert. Refreshments will include tea/ coffee and Pepsi products. New members of the Swedish Historical Society board will be announced, awards will be given honorary board members and to volunteer of the year.
We look forward to celebrating a great 2019 year at Swedish Historical, while ushering in a bigger and better 2020! Please RSVP to 815-963-5559 or email museum@swedishhistorical.org by March 12th, 2020.
Need to renew your membership before the Annual Meeting? Click here for membership information!
Want to know more?
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BECOME A MEMBERJoin in on the fun and connect with your Swedish heritage and the history of our city!
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COME FOR A VISITLet our knowledgeable docents take you through the museum as they guide you into Rockford's Swedish culture and past .
Book a tour today! |
RESERVE TICKETSLooking to reserve a place for that next great event?
Purchase tickets here! |