​Connecting Generations Locally and Globally 

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 the preservation of Swedish-American history and culture of Rockford through such activities as the conservation of artifacts, museum displays and educational programs.

Movie Night at Nordic Cultural Center 
April 5th    5:00 pm 

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The first movie night will be on Friday, April 5th from 5:00 pm-7:30 pm!

We will be featuring the movie The 12th Man. This Norwegian historical drama directed by Harald Zwart and written by Alex Boe. Thomas Gullestad stars as the protagonist Jan Baalsrud, who escapes from Germans in Rebbenesøya, via Lyngen Fjord and Manndalen, to neutral Sweden in the spring of 1943.

The film, which is based on historical events, was adapted from the book Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him(2001), written by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott.
 
The cost is $5.00 per person, and light refreshments and snacks will be made   available. Please RSVP to 815-963-5559 or purchase tickets below             by April 4th, 2019. 
Movie Night- April 5th

Planning a trip to Sweden?

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Check out our new page "Visit Sweden" to find highlights of wonderful things to do and places to visit in Sweden!

​ Image courtesy of https://sharingsweden.se/toolkits/visit-sweden/

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!