The Erlander Museum and Nordic Cultural Center will be closed July 30th- August 7th.
Please leave a message at 815-963-5559 or
email museum@swedishhistorical.org with any questions
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 |
Swedish Crayfish Party : kräftskiva
The ‘kräftskiva’ (crayfish party) is a late summer celebration dear to all Swedes. It features a seafood fest with lots of side dishes, drinks and – no surprise – MORE SINGING!
Join us for this very traditional Swedish late summer party where slurping is expected, singing is mandatory, and paper hat and bib attire is required!
This year’s Crayfish Party will be held under a tent in the gardens of the Nordic Cultural Center (327 South Third Street) on Saturday evening, August 27th. The event will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., beginning with a 5:00 p.m. social hour, followed by a 6:00 p.m. dinner. Live music will be provided by The Lone Canary. This seasonal feast will feature traditional delicacies including an abundance of crayfish, salmon, meatballs, cheeses, and “västerbottenpaj” (cheese quiche). This event serves as Swedish Historical Society’s biggest annual fundraiser, and we would love to see you there!
To Purchase tickets, visit the Crayfish Party page.
Join us for this very traditional Swedish late summer party where slurping is expected, singing is mandatory, and paper hat and bib attire is required!
This year’s Crayfish Party will be held under a tent in the gardens of the Nordic Cultural Center (327 South Third Street) on Saturday evening, August 27th. The event will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., beginning with a 5:00 p.m. social hour, followed by a 6:00 p.m. dinner. Live music will be provided by The Lone Canary. This seasonal feast will feature traditional delicacies including an abundance of crayfish, salmon, meatballs, cheeses, and “västerbottenpaj” (cheese quiche). This event serves as Swedish Historical Society’s biggest annual fundraiser, and we would love to see you there!
To Purchase tickets, visit the Crayfish Party page.
New Event: A Night at the Range
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Join the Swedish Historical Society for a family friendly “ Night at the Range” at Golf Shack, located at 1631 N Bell School Rd
Rockford, IL 61107 and in partnership with Garrett's on September 16th from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Enjoy drinks and appetizers by Garrett's as you hit a bucket of balls in support of your Scandinavian friends! For the past 50 years, Golf Shack has been a must for golfers in N. Illinois and S. Wisconsin and Garrett’s Restaurant award-winning is perfect for spending time with family and friends. All ages are welcome and any level golfer is encouraged to join! We will have fun activities like a longest drive competition and closest to the pin. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Swedish Historical Society in support of the Erlander Home Museum. |
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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! |