Home » Museum Info » News
Morning session, 10 a.m. – noon.
Why and how did our immigrant ancestors come to North America and to Chicago? Did they all come through Ellis Island?
The Nordic Family Genealogy Center hosts genealogy classes from 10 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of each month. Additional time is given to beginner researchers every other month, between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Annual membership: $20 for Museum members; non-members pay $10 per session. If possible, bring your laptop computer and family information to class.
The Vasa was a warship built for Sweden’s King Gustavus Adolphus. The laws restricting the cutting of trees in the Crown forest were lifted in order to build the Vasa from 1,000 oak trees. The sails were made mostly of hemp and partly of flax. The rigging was made entirely of hemp imported from Latvia. Construction of the ship began in 1626 and was completed in 1628. Its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628, lasted about two hours when the ship capsized and sank outside the Stockholm harbor after traveling less than one nautical mile.
This summer the Museum received a stunning donation to add to our collection – a replica of the warship, donated by George W. and Shirley L. Pierson of New Lenox, IL. The master model ship builder, Ernst A. Gier, was commissioned by Mr. Pierson in 2003 to recreate a model of this historic Swedish warship.
The replica measures five feet nine inches in height and six feet in length, weighs over three hundred pounds and took Gier 2,200 hours to complete. The craftsmanship on the rigging is outstanding with actual working pulleys.
The replica is exhibited in the front window at the Museum. On Thursday, May 6 the Museum will host a lecture on the history of the Vasa and the successful rescue mission in 1961.
We are proud to add this magnificent Vasa warship model to our collection!
As a goodbye to summer, there are two dishes—fermented herring and crayfish—which have become typical of Swedish food traditions. Even though these gastronomic delicacies are celebrated in different parts of the country, they are both equally popular.
If you are from northern Sweden, there is a good chance that you were brought up with the surströmming (fermented herring). The fermented herring is a throwback to the time when people could afford only enough salt to let the fish ferment instead of becoming rancid. Nowadays, the herring is caught in the spring, when it is just about to spawn. The herring is fermented in barrels for one to two months, then packed in tins where the fermentation continues.
Six months to a year later, gases have built up sufficiently for the once cylindrical tin to bulge into a more rounded shape. The tin should preferably be opened under water, because the smell is quite distinctive, or as the southerners would describe it, dreadful! It tastes best when eaten with boiled potatoes, onion, and butter, on a very thin crisp bread called tunnbröd.
If you live in the mid- or south part of Sweden, you are probably part of the crayfish hysteria instead. It breaks out the first week in August. Crayfish cages are put out in the evening, and, with great anticipation, emptied in the morning. This custom dates back to a century ago, when Swedish authorities allowed crayfish to be caught for only two months a year starting in August to save them from becoming extinct. When the crayfish-eating Swedes had to go without this delicacy right up until late summer, the return of crayfish to the table became a cause for celebration and the August crayfish party was born. The crayfish should be arranged on large dishes decorated with fresh dill. They are accompanied by toast with butter; a strong Swedish cheese may also be served.
Both these Swedish culinary traditions usually take place outdoors with paper bibs, paper napkins, and paper plates—preferably brightly colored ones—and funny paper hats. Paper lanterns are hung around the table. So wrap yourselves in blankets, especially you up there in the north, and enjoy the party with a wistful farewell to the short Swedish summer.
The Museum is closed in observance of Easter:
The Museum is open regular hours on Saturday, April, 3, 2010, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A Spring Benefit for the Swedish American Museum
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Donate your gently used or new treasures to the Swedish American Museum for its Spring Treasures Sale. Donations accepted during Museum hours Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
We welcome
Call the Museum if you have any questions and to discuss donation of large items – 773.728.8111.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Click here for more information.
Start the day at the Museum with free admission, complimentary coffee, and treats while enjoying our new exhibit.
Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Join the artist for a walk through the exhibit “Sweden Through My Glasses” and learn what inspired Anders Hultman to paint his paintings.
Gallery walk: Saturday, March 20, noon
Anders Hultman will portray his native Gothenburg in intimate, dream-like paintings that capture the warmth and musicality of his everyday life. Painting in oil, gouache, and acrylic, Hultman brings his characters to life with old wooden houses and small gardens with blossoming fruit trees. The Museum collaborates with Chicago’s International Sister City, Gothenburg, and often highlights artists from that region of Sweden.
Exhibit opening: Friday, March 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Anders Hultman will portray his native Gothenburg in intimate, dream-like paintings that capture the warmth and musicality of his everyday life. Painting in oil, gouache, and acrylic, Hultman brings his characters to life with old wooden houses and small gardens with blossoming fruit trees. The Museum collaborates with Chicago’s International Sister City, Gothenburg, and often highlights artists from that region of Sweden.
Join us for the Exhibit Opening on Friday, March 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Museum’s gallery space was filled with music and guests last Friday, Feb. 26 when Johan Stengård entertained with his saxophone. Magnus Ludvigsson accompanied on piano and Per Bredhammar sang Swedish songs. Thanks to the support of Brunk Industries, all of the proceeds will be sent to Haiti relief and split between Doctors without Borders and Salvation Army. Thank you to all!
Jonas Stengård on saxophone.
Lars Brunk, Anne Peterson, Johan Stengård
