Have holiday guests that you need to entertain? Looking for a reason to get out of the house after the holiday crush? Do you want to see the American Swedish Historical Museum in a new way? Join us on December 27th for a guided tour of the Museum! Don’t miss this opportunity to get an in-depth look at the gallery spaces with Museum Director Tracey Beck. Spaces on the tour are limited and pre-registration is recommended.
Light, warmth and Christmas songs have been hallmarks of the Lucia celebration at ASHM since 1939. Each year, families pour through the magnificent bronze doors of the museum to be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries, meatball dishes and strong Swedish coffee. Stroll through the Christmas Market, or Julmarknad, where Swedish delicacies, crafts, decorations, and imported gifts may be purchased, before the musical entertainment begins. The Swedish Christmas Café will also be selling your favorite sweet and savory holiday foods.
Join us for a very special Swedish holiday tradition. Cocktails and an authentic Christmas smörgåsbord dinner are followed by the Lucia procession. The Christmas Market is open all evening.
Members $50
Non-members $60
Cash bar
Register by phone or online by November 27th.
The Museum is excited to announce the recipient of this year’s Amandus Johnson Volunteer Award, Karin Kornaga. Karin has been a longtime member and devoted volunteer at the ASHM for over 30 years. If you have visited recently, you may have seen her captivating smile at the front desk or perhaps enjoyed hearing her sing in Swedish for the children during Toddler Time. Karin is also ever present at Midsommarfest, leading dances around the maypole, and at Lucia Fest, serving up delicious meatballs and other delicacies.
A tragic regular fixture in the news has become reports on the Syrian refugee crisis. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the staggering statistics, and these war torn regions can often feel distant and leave U.S. citizens disconnected. People may want to help but are not sure how they can make a difference, especially when not in a position to provide financial donations. At the end of the day, many find themselves saying “I feel bad, but how can I help”?
Get in the spirit of summer by wearing a wreath of flowers in your hair and take a spin around the midsommarpole at the American Swedish Historical Museum’s annual Midsommarfest in late June. Midsommarfest is a day of fun for the entire family with food, music, dance, raffles, games and activities for kids of all ages. Midsommar is one of Sweden’s most important holidays, a unique Swedish celebration, and a day to rejoice in the coming of summer at a time when daylight is at its longest.
Swedes celebrate Easter religiously, but for the majority of Swedes religion has little to do with it. It's more about witches, egg hunts, and colored feathers. Let’s not forget about the candy, Easter is the holiday for sweets.