​Connecting Generations Locally & 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.

We need your donations for our MorMor's Attic Sale!
Saturday, November 16th from 9 AM -12 PM at the Erlander Home 
It's that time again! We are accepting donations for the  MorMor's Attic sale at Julmarknad! We accept clean, undamaged, quality items for re-sale during Julmarknad on December 7th. We especially would like any of the following:   
• Any and all holiday items of Scandinavian heritage – in good shape
• Unique and interesting items that would make good gifts in the mid-price range
• Any antique or vintage items (kitchen, Christmas stockings, ornaments, collectibles (no Dept 56 lighted houses, please)
• Any art-related items (pottery, stained glass, woodworking, sculptures)
• Nature-related items – bird houses, wood or metal birds, nests, eggs, etc. 
• Old quilts, cloth or lace tablecloths, holiday tablecloths– not torn or stained 
• Recipe books in very good shape 
• Colored glass items
• Named kitchenware – Pyrex, Corning ware, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, Cephalon, Le Creuset, etc. 
We will be advertising this as an Estate Sale on the related websites, so if you love to estate sale, you understand the quality of items we are seeking! Things that don’t do well include china, glassware and silver, sadly enough. 

We will be accepting items on Saturday, Nov. 16th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Erlander Home Museum, located at 404 S. Third St., Rockford, 61104.  Thank you so much for any donations you can give us!!

Lucia Practice Announcement

Do you have a child interested in participating in our Lucia program this year?

Practices are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at First Covenant Church, located at 316 Wood Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.

Practices will be held weekly on Sundays. Children ages 5 and over are welcome to be apart of this annual tradition!

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!