American Swedish Museum
1900 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19145-5901
(215) 389-1776
www.americanswedish.org

Founded in 1926, the American Swedish Historical Museum is the oldest Swedish museum in the United States. It offers a thrilling glimpse into the history and culture of a people that first arrived in Delaware Valley in 1638.

The building itself is modeled after Eriskberg Castle, a seventeenth century Swedish manor house. Visitors first enter a beautiful two-story hall adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes of Swedes in early America.

The Museum features twelve permanent galleries, each illustrating different examples of twentieth century Swedish interior design. The varieties range from art-deco to international, with each room created by Swedish and Swedish-American craftsmen.

An exhibit on the New Sweden Colony highlights the early arrival of Swedish settlers from 1638 to 1655. The Golden Map Room features curved walls covered with a huge bronze-leaf map that gives a breathtaking view of life in seventeenth century Sweden. The same period is highlighted in the New Sweden Gallery, but covers life in the Delaware Valley.

A Swedish farmhouse, or stuga, is re-created, and visitors will enjoy the Dala painted ceiling and traditional corner fireplace, typical of the homes Swedish pioneers left behind when they came to America.

Tours are Self-Guided for individuals and families. Group Guided Tours in English or Swedish are available. In addition, the Museum offers a great calendar of events throughout the year. Special exhibitions, Workshops, Films, Lectures, and a variety of other activities give families something fun and educational to do time and again.

School Groups can enjoy a number of great programs. Life of Early Swedish Settlers (grades K - 3) explores the stuga and its furnishings. Children participate in various tasks and may even try on a traditional Swedish costume. Everyone makes a Swedish craft to take home. Vikings (3 - 6) were adventurers, the world's best sailors, and virtually invincible warriors. Students gain insight into these fascinating people through first hand accounts and archaeological discoveries. Activities include Runestone rubbing, writing with runes (ancient Anglo-Saxon characters), and measuring a Viking ship model to determine the actual size. New Sweden Colony (4 - 8) includes hands-on activities to help students understand early Delaware Valley and its Swedish settlers -- the first Europeans to come here. Two other programs are equally exciting. All programs are 90-minutes long and include a Museum tour and pre- and post-visit materials.