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 |
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 .
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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. |
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! |
VISITINGErlander Home Museum
404 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL 61104 Nordic Cultural Center
327 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL 61104 |
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