Connecting Generations Locally & Globally
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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 |
GLAD MIDSOMMAR!
The Swedish Historical Society would like to thank our sponsors and the community for making this year’s Midsommar Fest a success! For over 50 years, Midsommar has been held in the Haight Village Neighborhood on the historic grounds of the Erlander Home Museum. Midsommar celebrates Rockford’s Swedish heritage and history. The success of the event would not have been possible with the efforts of the Swedish Historical Society board of Directors, Midsommar committee and our dedicated volunteers!
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our event sponsors: Verdandi Lodge, No. 3, I.O.S, Sjostrom & Sons, Veterans Memorial Hall, Accurate Accounting & Tax, Olson Funeral & Cremation and Stockholm Inn. AS well as our Forward for Fun sponsors: Hard Rock Rockford, Northwest Illinois Building Trades, Fehr Graham, Rockford Mass Transit District, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23, IBEW Local 364, Project First Rate, Furst Staffing, City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau .
Special thanks to our event host, Chad Tuneberg, Gary Anderson for his architectural tour of Haight Village, event attendees, vendors and musical entertainment: The Lone Canary, Trinadora and Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute. Thank you also to The Nordic Cultural Dancers of Chicago for providing traditional Swedish music and dances.
We can't wait for next year!
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our event sponsors: Verdandi Lodge, No. 3, I.O.S, Sjostrom & Sons, Veterans Memorial Hall, Accurate Accounting & Tax, Olson Funeral & Cremation and Stockholm Inn. AS well as our Forward for Fun sponsors: Hard Rock Rockford, Northwest Illinois Building Trades, Fehr Graham, Rockford Mass Transit District, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23, IBEW Local 364, Project First Rate, Furst Staffing, City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau .
Special thanks to our event host, Chad Tuneberg, Gary Anderson for his architectural tour of Haight Village, event attendees, vendors and musical entertainment: The Lone Canary, Trinadora and Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute. Thank you also to The Nordic Cultural Dancers of Chicago for providing traditional Swedish music and dances.
We can't wait for next year!
Erlander Museum reopens for tours!
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The Museum is open on a limited basis by appointment only. Please allow two weeks advanced notice time for requesting a tour. All tours are subject to volunteer and/or staff availability.
Please observe the following protocols for touring: • Masks are highly encouraged • Please do not enter either the Nordic Cultural Center or Erlander Home Museum if feeling ill or experiencing COVID-like symptoms. • Sanitizing stations are available in the Nordic Cultural Center and will be used prior to entering the Erlander Home Museum |
Everything is subject to modification due to the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation. The Swedish Historical Society will be following and monitoring Illinois and CDC guidance and protocols.
Call 815-963-5559 to reserve your tour. Cost of admission is $7 for non-members. Admission is free for members and children 4 and under. All tours are guided and tours begin at the Nordic Cultural Center, located at 327 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL 61104. If you have any questions during this time, please email museum@swedishhistorical.org .
Call 815-963-5559 to reserve your tour. Cost of admission is $7 for non-members. Admission is free for members and children 4 and under. All tours are guided and tours begin at the Nordic Cultural Center, located at 327 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL 61104. If you have any questions during this time, please email museum@swedishhistorical.org .
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! |