Join us for a fascinating presentation by Dr. Charles Peterson as he explores the contributions of Swedish and Norwegian engineers to the development and growth of the City of Chicago from the late 1800s until the first decades of the 1900s.  He will discuss the design and building of the many bridges over the Chicago River, the reversal of the Chicago River including the sanitary canals, the city’s water delivery and treatment, the work that resulted in Navy Pier, and other industrial projects in which Swedish and Norwegians engineers were active. We may discover connections that can provide valuable insights into your own family history.

Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Scandinavian studies, history, and genealogy. He grew up in Iowa, first on a small farm in central Iowa and later in Mason City. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Park College, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Most of his career was spent at North Park University, where he served as Professor of Communication Arts, Executive Director of the Center for Scandinavian Studies, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. During his career, he also lived in Sweden and Norway with his family, teaching at Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola and Danvik Medieskole.

Today, Dr. Peterson is the publisher of Nordic Studies Press, a consultant on Scandinavian topics, and a translator of Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish texts.  Whether you are researching your Swedish roots, interested in Chicago history, or simply curious about the accomplishments of Swedish immigrants, this program promises to be both informative and inspiring.