Swedish-American Historical Society of Chicago

In 1972, the Swedish-American (then Swedish Pioneer) Historical Society was one of four founding members of the Swedish Council of America. Nils William Olsson, the SCA's first executive director and driving force, credited Vilas Johnson of the Society with the original idea for such a national organization.

The Society grew out of the Swedish Pioneer Centennial celebration of 1948. Since 1950, it has published a quarterly journal and more than 25 books, sponsored conferences and established the Swedish-American Archives of Greater Chicago at North Park University. It celebrated its 60th anniversary with an afternoon symposium and gala dinner last November 8.

Consuls General Kerstin Lane and Bruce Karstadt presented Commander of the Polar Star honors to Society President Philip Anderson and Quarterly editor Byron Nordstrom at the Society's 60th anniversary dinner November 8, 2009.

Its latest book is Zorn in America by William and Willow Hagans. The book, with more than 120 paintings, etchings and photographs, tells the story of the famous artist's seven trips to America during which he painted three presidents. His works are exhibited in many art museums and private collections.

Two of the Society's most successful conferences, both resulting in books, were "Swedish-American Life in Chicago" in 1986 and "Swedes in the Twin Cities" in 1996. It also has co-sponsored a number of other conferences and member trips for programs at such Swedish-American sites as Chisago County, Minnesota; Austin, Texas; New Sweden, Iowa, and Lindsborg, Kansas.

The archives at North Park contain many individual and organization records including those of the Independent Order of Svithiod and the American Daughters of Sweden. These are housed in modern, humidity-controlled quarters in the university library under the care of a professional archivist.

The SAHS website www.swedishamericanhist.org provides membership information, a book list, newsletter, archival photos, and links to other websites.

Submitted by Eric Lund

March 2009