​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

Glögg & Pepparkakor Party​ featuring an Artisan Holiday Market

Wednesday, December 7th    5:00 -8:00 pm

Come and enjoy a festive night of food and friendship! The cost is $20 for Members and  $25 for Non Members.
Held at the Nordic Cultural Center, located at 327 South Third Street, Rockford, IL 61104. Reservations can be made via phone at 815-963-5559 or email museum@swedishhistorical.org.

​While attending the Glögg party, enjoy a chance to shop at our Artisan Holiday Market! Swedish Historical Society celebrates the holiday season with through locally created Scandinavian-inspired art. 
Local handmade goods including linoleum block prints & textiles, hand carved woodblock prints, magnets, cards, sun catchers, handmade soaps, etc. This holiday market will showcase local artists Sarah Reed McNamara (SRM Prints), Kari McDonald (Lemuette), Jenny Mathews, Emily Klonicki and others in Historic Haight Village!

Erlander Home & Nordic Cultural Center closures

The Erlander Home Museum and Nordic Cultural Center will be closed from
December 16th, 2022- January 2nd, 2023. 
The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.

Please leave any questions or messages at 815-963-5559 or email museum@swedishhistorical.org 

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!