The act of taking a sauna is an inherent part of the Finnish culture. The tradition stretches back almost 10,000 years – the earliest examples of sauna culture are from 7,000 BC. Finns bring sauna wherever they go, including the United States, and the tradition still thrives in certain regions of America where many Finnish people have settled. Sauna is Life: Sauna Culture in Finland explores the Finnish sauna tradition with a model sauna and sauna objects as well as stories, photos, and videos shared with us from home and abroad.
From the age of the Vikings to the settlers of the New Sweden Colony (1638-1655), to contemporary issues in Scandinavian society, the American Swedish Historical Museum will take you back in time and across the sea to learn the stories of Swedes in America.
Current Special Exhibitions
The Sweetest Side of Life: Swedish Candy and Confections is a new pop-up exhibition at the American Swedish Historical Museum featuring the collection of Tyler Graybeal, owner of Sweetish–Swedish Candy and Goods. Tyler is an avid collector of vintage Swedish Candy tins, wrappers, bottles, postcards, and advertisements. Though candy is a major part of Swedish culture, it is more than just a sugary indulgence. It reflects the nation's emphasis on togetherness, balance, and the celebration of life's little pleasures.
Weaving a New Chapter: The Material Lives of Swedish Immigrants tells the story of Swedish immigration to America through the objects they brought with them in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sweden’s craft and textile history has been an intrinsic part of Swedish heritage and cultural identity at home and abroad. Swedish immigrants produced remarkable fiber arts for centuries and brought their knowledge of weaving, knitting, embroidery, lacemaking, and trade skills to their new homes.
Launched in 1928, the same year construction of the American Swedish Historical Museum was completed, the Swedish ocean liner Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style. The Kungsholm’s fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression.
The ASHM is celebrating 300 years of Scandinavian glass in its renovated gallery.