Swedish Historical Society - Rockford, IL

The Swedish Historical Society will be entering its 70th year in 2009. Since its establishment in 1939, the S.H.S. has grown by leaps and bounds. The mission of our organization is to maintain the Erlander Home Museum, built by one of Rockford's Swedish pioneers, where it is able to display and interpret its large collection of artifacts. Programming that promotes the preservation of cultural traditions and educates on the history and heritage of Sweden is increasing economic opportunities that benefit the Rockford community and beyond.

We sponsor many events for our membership and the community at large. We have a very full calendar this year and are presently working on our annual Midsommar celebration to be held on June 14th.

We promote tourism in the Rockford area by working with the Rockford Area Visitors and Convention Bureau. In conjunction with the RACVB we brought well known Swedish artists Bertil Vallien and Ulrica Hydman-Vallien and their "He & She" exhibition to the Rockford Art Museum. We work with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council to cultivate the promotion of business ventures between Sweden and ourselves. We were cultural host in Rockford for the Swedish-American Entrepreneurial Days visitors in 2007. (pictured)

We continue to be a strong and positive influence in our community and have plans for a new Swedish-American Cultural Center that has the capability of holding the growing number of members and visitors that come to the Erlander Home Museum. This new cultural center will have the ability to house more art exhibits from Sweden and be used for programs and events that benefit the community.

The future is bright for the Swedish Historical Society and we invite anyone, Swedish or not, to come and learn about the Swedish culture. It is a fantastic learning experience everyone should partake of. Visit us at www.swedishhistorical.org.

Pictured here: Leif Erickson, Director of Industrial Development, City of Lidköping, Jon Blom, President, J IMEC AB Lidköping, Tomas Wenell, TOWE Electronik AB Skövde, Gunnar Nilsson, President, ATC, and Kent Skarp, CEO Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Lidköping.

This article was written by Dee Johnson and edited by Mike Molander. 

May 2008