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. |
Erlander 150th Anniversary Campaign- help us reach our goal!
This year is especially important to us as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Erlander Home. It is our hope that we will be able to get together to celebrate this significant anniversary sometime in the future.
The Swedish Historical Society really needs your financial support to be able to make needed repairs and to renovate the landscape at the Erlander Home.
Repairs needed at the facility include replacement of deteriorated steps leading to the porch ($3000); painting of hand railings and addition of a new barrier at the main entrance ($1100); tuck pointing repair of the south side of the foundation and in the border brick ($2000); and washing the exterior of the building ($500).
Another large project is upgrading the exterior landscaping. The current plantings have degraded over the years, and the landscaping needs an overhaul to bring back the elegance and beauty it deserves. The estimated cost of the landscaping is $13,400. In addition, it will be necessary to contract with a service to maintain the renovated landscaping.
We are asking for your financial support to make the needed repairs and to implement the repairs and the new landscaping plan totaling $20,000.
If you are able to contribute, here are the ways you can make a donation. One way is to call our Executive Director, Alix Fox, at 815-963-5559 – hit the “0” button, and donate using your debit or credit card. Or, you can send a check to us at Swedish Historical Society, 404 South Third Street, Rockford, IL 61104). You can also contribute below through the donate button.
We are so grateful to you for your support of SHS. Please consider a gift or $150 or more for these renovations, however, any amount is greatly appreciated! We could not undertake these projects without your support.
For now, due to COVID-19, the Erlander Home Museum will remain closed until further notice. But we look forward to the time when tours will once again fill the home with visitors from near and far. Meanwhile, we will celebrate the Erlander Home Museum virtually in many ways.
Your donation can truly make a difference!
The Swedish Historical Society really needs your financial support to be able to make needed repairs and to renovate the landscape at the Erlander Home.
Repairs needed at the facility include replacement of deteriorated steps leading to the porch ($3000); painting of hand railings and addition of a new barrier at the main entrance ($1100); tuck pointing repair of the south side of the foundation and in the border brick ($2000); and washing the exterior of the building ($500).
Another large project is upgrading the exterior landscaping. The current plantings have degraded over the years, and the landscaping needs an overhaul to bring back the elegance and beauty it deserves. The estimated cost of the landscaping is $13,400. In addition, it will be necessary to contract with a service to maintain the renovated landscaping.
We are asking for your financial support to make the needed repairs and to implement the repairs and the new landscaping plan totaling $20,000.
If you are able to contribute, here are the ways you can make a donation. One way is to call our Executive Director, Alix Fox, at 815-963-5559 – hit the “0” button, and donate using your debit or credit card. Or, you can send a check to us at Swedish Historical Society, 404 South Third Street, Rockford, IL 61104). You can also contribute below through the donate button.
We are so grateful to you for your support of SHS. Please consider a gift or $150 or more for these renovations, however, any amount is greatly appreciated! We could not undertake these projects without your support.
For now, due to COVID-19, the Erlander Home Museum will remain closed until further notice. But we look forward to the time when tours will once again fill the home with visitors from near and far. Meanwhile, we will celebrate the Erlander Home Museum virtually in many ways.
Your donation can truly make a difference!
Fika with a Swede via Zoom
The Swedish Historical Society is happy to host our virtual "Fika with a Swede" monthly. In times when travel is limited we are bringing Sweden to Rockford. The fika is open to anyone and we welcome our American & Swedish business & cultural friends regionally and in Sweden to partake in.
The fika is set up as a live interview (moderated by our Swedish Ambassador Linnea Bengtsson).
The "Fika Swede" will share who they are, their work & connection to Rockford and one sentence in Swedish.
To watch previous fikas, click here to visit the Fika page.
The fika is set up as a live interview (moderated by our Swedish Ambassador Linnea Bengtsson).
The "Fika Swede" will share who they are, their work & connection to Rockford and one sentence in Swedish.
To watch previous fikas, click here to visit the Fika page.
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! |