It is time get the gardens at Erlander Home and Nordic Cultural Center ready for the year and WE NEED YOUR HELP!
 
Please join us on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 from 9:00 AM -12:00PM as we gather together to help
get our facilities ready for the spring. We also will be doing some organizing
​and clean up of the Nordic Cultural Center garage. 

The Swedish Historical Society will be providing garden waste bags, but do ask that if you have any
small gardening tools including: gloves, rakes, trowels, weeders, pruners, etc. that you bring those with!

Light refreshments will be provided for all that volunteer.
If you are able and willing to help, please call 815-963-5559 or
email museum@swedishhistorical.org so we can get a headcount for volunteers!

​Connecting Generations Locally & Globally 

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.
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

  Dancing Queen: ABBA Salute Concert    June 16th 6:00 PM 

Welcome back all you DANCING QUEENS!
​
Midsommar Natt returns featuring live music performed by Dancing Queen: ABBA Salute. Join us with your best dance moves and beautiful voices on Friday, June 16th at 6:00 PM at the Nordlof Center in the J.R. Sullivan Theater. Enjoy beverages served by Hilton Garden Inn, while grooving to your favorite song!

Tickets are $25 for Members, $30 for Non Members.
Tickets purchased  at the door are $30. Children 10 and under are free. 

Visit the Midsommar page to purchase tickets!   
The concert is presented by the Verdandi Lodge No. 3, I.O.S.. The Nordlof Center located at 118 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101 . ​

  Midsommar Fest          June 17th 10:00 AM -3:00 PM

Save the date for this fun annual event and come celebrate the longest day of the year with your Nordic friends! Join us on Saturday, June 17th from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, as we invite you to celebrate a traditional Midsommar Festival on the grounds of the Erlander Home Museum and Nordic Cultural Center.

This Swedish festival welcomes the arrival of the summer solstice. The event will feature a traditional maypole raising and Swedish folk dancing & music, a Swedish pancake eating contest and shopping at Mormor’s Attic treasures sale. Swedish food will be available at the Stockholm Inn pavilion and don’t forget to purchase your favorite Swedish bakery. Children’s take away crafts will be available and meet & play games with Pippi Longstocking. Listen to wonderful music throughout the day provided by The Lone Canary and Trinadora and experience a walking tour of historic Haight Village. Daytime admission is free!
​
Sponsors to include: Accurate Accounting & Payroll Services, Gustafson Family, JRB Well Drilling, Michael J. Smith, Attorney, Savant Wealth Management, Sjostrom & Sons, Inc. and the Verdandi Lodge #3, I.O.S. Food sponsor: Hilton Garden Inn.
Visit the Midsommar page for all event details and schedules!  

Want to know more?

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BECOME A MEMBER

Join in on the fun and connect with your Swedish heritage and the history of our city!

COME FOR A VISIT

Let our  knowledgeable docents take you through the museum as they guide you into Rockford's Swedish culture and past . 
​Book a tour today! 

RESERVE TICKETS

Looking to reserve a place for that next great event?
​Purchase tickets here!