Swedish American Museum

04/22/2020

Happy #EarthDay! Take time today to appreciate the place we call home. Celebrate it with crafts! Click below for at-home projects! http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/earth-day/

04/22/2020

Happy #NationalVolunteerWeek! Here is our Store Manager, Catherine, talking about how #volunteers impact her role!

04/22/2020

We 💕 these messages from our #volunteers! Here is a message from our volunteer, Linda!
"I am never more proud of being part of the museum as the day I receive the card which details the upcoming events. I take a look at all the amazing events, determine which ones I want to volunteer for and then the ones I plan to ask some one to attend with me (many ask if we can stop at Simon's!) We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of activities you can always find something, learn something or try something new!"

04/22/2020

Originally invented in 1949 by a Swedish engineer, Swedish Dishcloths have become a staple in sustainable kitchens. Made from biodegradable cellulose and cotton, these can be cleaned in a washing machine or dishwasher up to 200 times! Best of all, they are compostable once they become tattered. One dishcloth replaces 17 roll of paper towels!
Available to purchase from our virtual Museum Store:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/product/swedish-dishcloth/
#earthday #sustainable

04/21/2020

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We appreciate our volunteers, not only during #NationalVolunteerWeek, but each and every day! Here is a message from our Communications Manager, Angelica.

04/21/2020

F is for Flower! In Swedish, the word for flower is blomma. It is pronounced blue-mah. Linnea Borealis (named after Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, who invented the standardized system of naming organisms) is the national flower of Sweden. Each province also has its own flower. You can see those here:
https://www.sweden.org.za/national-flower.html

Sweden is well known for its variety of plants and flowers grown all around the country-both in the cities and countryside. Below are some links to help you explore more about flowers! Please remember to share any flower crafts you create and any fun facts that you know about flowers.

For crafts, see the link below:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/children/

04/21/2020

#NationalVolunteerWeek continues! Here is a message from one of our volunteers, Carol: "I volunteer at the Swedish American Museum because I believe in the mission and that’s what I am , Swedish/American. I love being around Swedish items. I like to help people in the store and hear their stories that they are most eager to share. Since I’m a regular Thursday volunteer I have gotten to know the other volunteers and we have made lovely friendships. I miss the people at the museum and I hope we can return soon"

04/21/2020

Join us April 22 at 7pm for a virtual game night! We will be playing "...I Should Have Known That!" from Hygge Games, a trivia party with tricky questions for ages 14+
RSVP on our website, or buy the game through our virtual Museum Store!
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/event/game-night-online/
#hygge #gamenight

04/21/2020

Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland

With this, we bid the northern lights farewell, for now, but we are really looking forward to having them back again, say late August.

04/20/2020

This weeks Museum programs online

This weeks Museum programs online - https://mailchi.mp/samac/exploreswedishtraditions-1555221

Join us with a virtual game of trivia, featuring the Store favorite “…I Should have known that!” from Hygge Games. RSVP for a link to the Zoom gathering this Wednesday evening! 

04/20/2020

We 💕 our volunteers! "Rain or shine, they are always willing to help. Everyday, each volunteer brings their positive energy and unique personalities to the museum. I don't know what I would do without them!" - Elise, Marketing Assistant

04/20/2020

Happy National Volunteer Week! Here is a message from one of our amazing volunteers, Barbara!
"Connecting with my Swedish roots, engaging with patrons who visit the museum, giving back to a place and community I value, feeling like I make a positive difference and having fun! All reasons I love volunteering at the Swedish Museum."

04/20/2020

E is for Elephant! In Swedish, the word for elephant is elefant. It is pronounced el-eh-fahnt. There are not any elephants living in the wild in Sweden. Many zoos are also moving elephants out- they don’t do as well in a zoo setting. Instead they are often being placed in large parks where scientists and experts can recreate their natural habitats. Below are some links to facts about elephants and also some activities! Please remember to share any elephant crafts you create and any fun facts that you know about elephants.
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/children/

04/20/2020

Gränna: The Town of Swedish Candy | On Foodie Trail

Today is #Polkagrisdagen or Candy Cane Day! One town in Sweden, Gränna is famous for it's candy. To read more about what makes it special, click below: https://www.onfoodietrail.com/swedish-candy-polkagris-grenna/

Gränna is a small town where stripy Swedish candy polkagris is made. It is lined up with shops that lure you in to stock up on a variety of candy flavours.

04/19/2020

Happy National Volunteer Week!

It's National Volunteer Week! Our volunteers are essential. We want to take the next seven days to show our appreciation. Here is a message from Caroline, our Member & Community Engagement Manager 🇸🇪

04/19/2020

Congratulations on your name day Ola and Olaus! Ola is a shorter version of Olav, and means “descendant”. Olaus is the Latin version of Olav, and is the name of 277 people in Sweden today.

04/19/2020

Since you cannot come to the Museum for Hejsan!, we are coming to you. Check the link below for a video and crafts! The theme for this month is Swedish fairy tales.
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/children/

04/19/2020

Our Genealogy Society is here to help! If you have papers that need translation or if you need help to get started, in-person research has been replaced by Zoom meetings. To set up an appointment, email [email protected].
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/genealogy/

04/18/2020

The #Dala horse is out and about today! After taking a break for Easter, the horse is back exploring our core exhibit. The items displayed were found on large #Swedish cruise lines that connected the United States with Sweden in the early to mid 20th century. The voyage could take up to two weeks to complete. How would you pass the time on a 14 day journey across the Atlantic? 🛳️✨

04/18/2020

"Var så god" can mean a number of things in #Swedish. From "Here you go" to "You're welcome" and even "Please" depending on the context.
Practice your Swedish manners with a little fika from home!
VSG 🤗
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/product/berggren-trayner-ceramic-designs/

04/17/2020

Grebbestads Anchovies are now 50% off!
Enjoy a classic open face sandwich on your favorite bread layered with lettuce, hard-boiled egg, anchovies and dill.
Place an order for curbside pick-up from the Kerstin Andersson Museum Store:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/order-to-go/

04/17/2020

Are your little ones missing the magic of the Brunk Children's Museum? Help support their favorite place to play in #Andersonville, and bring home some goodies from the Museum Store.
Each pack comes with a little taste of Sweden, fun activities, and our favorite coloring pages. Best of all, your purchase helps to fund the Swedish American Museum!
Visit our online store for more information:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/product/childrens-museum-favorites-fun-pack/
#swedishamericanmuseum #chicago

04/17/2020

Here’s how to check out books from home with an electronic Chicago Public Library card

Miss weekend trips to the library? You can still stock up on books - virtually, of course! Check out this article by Time Out: https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/heres-how-to-check-out-books-from-home-with-an-electronic-chicago-public-library-card-031820

Being under quarantine means that you have loads of time to catch up on reading—and luckily, Chicago Public Library offers online eCard registration to help you

04/16/2020

Thursdays are for Pea Soup!
For hundreds of years, Swedes across the country have enjoyed different variations of Yellow Pea Soup every Thursday. Typically served with mustard and a side of pancakes, it's a perfectly filling meal for a chilly day.
Pick up a bag of Lars Yellow Peas, and join in on the delicious weekly ritual!
Available for purchase from the Museum Store: http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/order-to-go/
#peasoupthursday #swedishamericanmuseum

04/16/2020

Congratulations on your name day Patricia and Patrik! Patrik originates from Scotland and means “king”. Patricia is the female version of the name, and is in the top 100 most common names in Sweden today

04/16/2020

Looking for your next novel to read during quarantine? We got you! Check out "A Drop of Midnight" by Jason Diakite. You can buy a signed copy in our online museum store! If you start the book, make sure to attend our online Zoom book club next week! For more info, check out the events calendar on our website.
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/product/drop-of-midnight-a-memoir/

04/15/2020

Take a step back in time with Birgitta as she descibes entering school in the U.S. after immigrating from Sweden. Clip by the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/elis/learn/education/oral-history-ei-11.htm

Find other fun, educational resources like this audio on our website:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/online-resources/

04/15/2020

Congratulations on your name day Oliver and Olivia! Both of these names are believed to be inspired by the Latin name for olive tree; a tree that is often associated with peace. Hence, both Oliver and Olivia have the meaning “peaceful” or “calm”.

04/14/2020

#Fromthearchives coffee pot and mug in silkscreened enamelware from Berggren Trayner Company. This business, which produced enamelware and ceramics, was founded in 1948 by Arthur and Audrey Berggren. They spent most of their career working out of LIbertyville, IL. In 1986, they sold the designs and ceramic recipe to Bergquist Imports in Minnesota. Even though the products were bought by another company, they still retain the name Berggren Trayner. You can see modern versions of these mugs in our museum store!

04/14/2020

Join us virtually this Thursday for our weekly TV discussion! “Fallet” is a Swedish/British detective series in both Swedish and English with subtitles. If you haven't started, you still have time to catch up! We will be discussing episodes 5 & 6. The series can be found on Netflix. Click below for more information:
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/event/swedish-tv-series-3/

04/14/2020

Congratulations on your name day Tiburtius! Only 44 people carry the name Tiburtius in Sweden. It is an old Roman name that is believed to be inspired by the Italian city Tibur.

04/13/2020

Congratulations on your name day Artur and Douglas! Artur is originally a Celtic name, and means “strong as a bear”. Also Douglas is Celtic, and means “dark water”.

04/13/2020

Swedes in the States

For our ambitious home bakers! 🎂

Happy Easter to all of you! 🐣

We're going to sign off for the weekend by leaving the recipe for this spectacular Easter Princess cake by Eve's fika right here...

04/13/2020

D is for Duck!

In Swedish, the word for duck is anka. It is pronounced ahn-kah. There are many kinds of ducks that live in Sweden. There is even a species of duck called the Swedish Duck! The breed was developed in the coastal areas of Germany, Belgium and Holland. At the time they were introduced, that area was under the Swedish throne. Swedish Ducks come in a variety of colors. They are related to mallards, but are closer to the size of a goose. Sadly, Swedish Ducks are on the endangered species list. Another popular duck in Sweden is Donald Duck, or Kalle Anka! Every Christmas Eve at 3 p.m. millions of Swedes tune in to see the Christmas special featuring Kalle Anka and his friends. This tradition has been going strong since 1959.

For duck themed crafts, click below!
http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/online-resources/

Photo credit: Matti Blume (User:MB-one)

04/12/2020

Glad påsk!

Happy Easter! In Sweden, as in many other parts of the world, Easter Sunday is celebrated by exchanging colorful Easter eggs filled with candy, or godis. Pre-packaged eggs filled with godis are sold in stores, but many families prefer to pack their own with a selection of chocolates, carmels, wine gums, salmiak licorice, and other types of candy. Easter eggs are typically given to children on Påskafton or Easter day itself, although the imported custom of hunting for eggs around the house has become popular in recent years.

In some provinces it is traditonal to play äggpickning – egg tapping – on Easter morning. Two players are each given a painted hard-boiled egg, and take turns tapping the tip of their egg against their opponent's to see which will break first. Some towns hold äggpickning tournaments, with umpires on hand to root out any fake eggs made of wood or cement.

A family meal is usually held at lunch or dinner, and often resembles the one prepared the night before. It is not uncommon for leftovers from Påskafton to be served, although some families might cook a lamb steak or other large cut of meat as well.

04/11/2020

Today is Sourdough Bread Day or Surdegsdagen! Celebrate by making your own loaf! Recipe is below. Don't forget to show off your creations in the comments! https://www.thelocal.se/20161028/how-to-make-no-knead-sourdough-bread-like-a-swede

04/11/2020

Happy Påskafton!

In Sweden the celebration of Easter, like Christmas and Midsummer, typically begins on the eve of the holiday. At dinner, the påskbordet – Easter table – is prepared with a variety of dishes, including salmon, meatballs, hard-boiled eggs, lamb, and pickled herring. While the adult members of the family might enjoy a glass of beer or a sip of akvavit with the meal, children drink påskmust – the exact same spice-flavored soft drink sold as julmust during Christmas.

The night before Easter is also a common time for lighting bonfires, as a result of the superstition about scaring away witches on Skärtorsdag migrating two days forward over the years. Much like fireworks on the 4th of July in the United States, bonfires on Påskafton often result in a competition between neighbors to see who can create the biggest and brightest display

04/10/2020

Looking for a fun weekend activity? You can learn a new game with Swedish Kubb! A lawn game - scaled down to fit on your kitchen table! Check it out below: http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/product/swedish-kubb-small-edition/

04/10/2020

Future Exhibit Designers: 5 Fun At-Home Make-a-Museum Activities for Kids - Luci Creative

Looking for ways to get creative? Read the article below for some crafty ideas of how to curate your own museum at home! Don't forget to show us what you make!
https://lucicreative.com/future-exhibit-designers-5-fun-at-home-make-a-museum-activities-for-kids/

With closed schools and stay-at-home orders around the world, parents, teachers, and caregivers are rising to the occasion and figuring out innovative ways to homeschool students. When the schoolwork is complete, there’s the continued challenge of keeping young children entertained and away from h...

04/09/2020

Congratulations on your name day Otto and Ottilia! The male and female version of the same name originally from Germany. Many German emperors have been named Otto, meaning rich. In Sweden the meaning has often been interpreted as the number eight (Åtta) and was a common name for the eight child.

04/09/2020

Happy Skärtorsdag!

An old Swedish tradition says that on this night, witches would fly on their broomsticks to the magical island of Blåkulla to dance with the devil. In the 17th century this belief led to the persecution of many suspected witches, and it was a common practice to light bonfires or set off fireworks at night to scare away the devil's servants as they flew overhead. Today, however, Swedish children celebrate Skärtorsdag in a more peaceful way by dressing up as påskkärringar, or “Easter witches.” The typical costume includes face paint (rosy cheeks, freckles, mustaches), a wide-brimmed hat or old shawl, a broomstick, and a kettle. Once dressed up, children go door to door to fill their kettles with candy collected from their neighbors in exchange for påskbrev – “Easter letters” containing hand-colored drawings and holiday greetings.

Skärtorsdag is also a typical time to decorate the house with påskris, or birch twigs, in preparation for Easter day. This tradition comes from the old religious practice of flogging oneself with a switch made of birch wood on the morning of Good Friday to commemorate Christ's suffering. Like påskkärringar, påskris have also mellowed with age, and are now decorated with colorful feathers and eggs to make an “Easter tree” or centerpiece for the table.