American Swedish Historical Museum
Encyclopedia
The American Swedish Historical Museum is the oldest Swedish-American museum in the United States
. It is located in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park
in the South Philadelphia
neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
, on part of a historic 17th-century land grant
originally provided by Queen Christina of Sweden
to settlers of New Sweden
.
was formed. Noted author and historian, Amandus Johnson
was elected to be its president. From this activity grew a committee to plan ways to preserve the memory of the New Sweden
colony which dated to 1638. The New Sweden Tricentennial Association was formed which commissioned and published Swedes In America, 1638-1938, a work of historical research which was edited by Adolph B. Benson and Naboth Hedin (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 1938).
Soon the first national campaign was underway to erect a Swedish Museum in Philadelphia. On June 2, 1926, Sweden's Crown Prince and future King Gustaf VI Adolf
placed the Museum's cornerstone. In the fall of 1928, Christian von Schneidau painted the Museum's entrance-hall ceiling and wall murals. The formal public dedication of the Museum took place on June 28, 1938. This event was set to coordinate with the 300th anniversary of the Swedish arrival on the Delaware shores. Swedish Prince Bertil and Crown Princess Louise made up the royal party that dedicated the Museum.
, Sweden. The architect, John Nydén, a Swedish-American from Chicago
, combined Swedish and American elements by modeling the exterior arcades on those of Mount Vernon
. The copper cupola is a copy of the one atop Stockholm City Hall
. The Museum has 12 permanent galleries displaying a broad and interesting collection combining history and culture. Three of the Museum’s 12 galleries are devoted to the history of the New Sweden
Colony established in the Delaware Valley
in 1638. The museum provides a wealth of information about this often unfamiliar period in our history. Other galleries, ranging in style from Art Deco to International, concentrate on more recent Swedish contributions.
, the courageous Swedish diplomat and his work to save Hungarian Jews during World War II
. The Spirit of Raoul Wallenberg Award consists of a cash prize and a specially designed bowl from Orrefors
, Sweden
which is presented to the award recipient at the award ceremony. Past recipients have included A. Leon Higginbotham on the basis of his advocacy on behalf of America’s children within the legal profession and his human rights efforts in South Africa
, Dr. William P. Magee, Jr. and Kathleen S. Magee for their work in establishing Operation Smile
, Per Anger
for his collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg
in saving Hungarian Jews during WWII and the Reverend Dr. Haruun L. Ruun of Sudan
for his extraordinary efforts to bring peace to the divided state.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is located in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is an aesthetically designed park located along the Delaware River in the southern most point of South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comprising some which includes a golf course, about of buildings, roadways, pathways for walking, landscaped architecture, and a...
in the South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia, nicknamed South Philly, is the section of Philadelphia bounded by South Street to the north, the Delaware River to the east and south, and the Schuylkill River to the west.-History:...
neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, on part of a historic 17th-century land grant
Land grant
A land grant is a gift of real estate – land or its privileges – made by a government or other authority as a reward for services to an individual, especially in return for military service...
originally provided by Queen Christina of Sweden
Christina of Sweden
Christina , later adopted the name Christina Alexandra, was Queen regnant of Swedes, Goths and Vandals, Grand Princess of Finland, and Duchess of Ingria, Estonia, Livonia and Karelia, from 1633 to 1654. She was the only surviving legitimate child of King Gustav II Adolph and his wife Maria Eleonora...
to settlers of New Sweden
New Sweden
New Sweden was a Swedish colony along the Delaware River on the Mid-Atlantic coast of North America from 1638 to 1655. Fort Christina, now in Wilmington, Delaware, was the first settlement. New Sweden included parts of the present-day American states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania....
.
History
During 1926, the Swedish-American committee of the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926Sesquicentennial Exposition
The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 was a world's fair hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and the 50th anniversary of the 1876 Centennial Exposition-History:The honor of hosting...
was formed. Noted author and historian, Amandus Johnson
Amandus Johnson
Amandus Johnson was an American historian, author and founding curator of the American Swedish Historical Museum...
was elected to be its president. From this activity grew a committee to plan ways to preserve the memory of the New Sweden
New Sweden
New Sweden was a Swedish colony along the Delaware River on the Mid-Atlantic coast of North America from 1638 to 1655. Fort Christina, now in Wilmington, Delaware, was the first settlement. New Sweden included parts of the present-day American states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania....
colony which dated to 1638. The New Sweden Tricentennial Association was formed which commissioned and published Swedes In America, 1638-1938, a work of historical research which was edited by Adolph B. Benson and Naboth Hedin (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 1938).
Soon the first national campaign was underway to erect a Swedish Museum in Philadelphia. On June 2, 1926, Sweden's Crown Prince and future King Gustaf VI Adolf
Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden
Gustaf VI Adolf - Oscar Fredrik Wilhelm Olaf Gustaf Adolf - was King of Sweden from October 29, 1950 until his death. His official title was King of Sweden, of the Goths and of the Wends. He was the eldest son of King Gustaf V and his wife Victoria of Baden...
placed the Museum's cornerstone. In the fall of 1928, Christian von Schneidau painted the Museum's entrance-hall ceiling and wall murals. The formal public dedication of the Museum took place on June 28, 1938. This event was set to coordinate with the 300th anniversary of the Swedish arrival on the Delaware shores. Swedish Prince Bertil and Crown Princess Louise made up the royal party that dedicated the Museum.
Building Design
The building's design is based on Ericsberg Castle, a 17th-century manor house in SödermanlandSödermanland
', sometimes referred to under its Latin form Sudermannia or Sudermania, is a historical province or landskap on the south eastern coast of Sweden. It borders Östergötland, Närke, Västmanland and Uppland. It is also bounded by lake Mälaren and the Baltic sea.In Swedish, the province name is...
, Sweden. The architect, John Nydén, a Swedish-American from Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, combined Swedish and American elements by modeling the exterior arcades on those of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
The name Mount Vernon is a dedication to the English Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon. It was first applied to Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of George Washington, the first President of the United States...
. The copper cupola is a copy of the one atop Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is the building of the Municipal Council for the City of Stockholm in Sweden. It stands on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island, next to Riddarfjärden's northern shore and facing the islands of Riddarholmen and Södermalm. It houses offices and conference rooms as well as...
. The Museum has 12 permanent galleries displaying a broad and interesting collection combining history and culture. Three of the Museum’s 12 galleries are devoted to the history of the New Sweden
New Sweden
New Sweden was a Swedish colony along the Delaware River on the Mid-Atlantic coast of North America from 1638 to 1655. Fort Christina, now in Wilmington, Delaware, was the first settlement. New Sweden included parts of the present-day American states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania....
Colony established in the Delaware Valley
Delaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
in 1638. The museum provides a wealth of information about this often unfamiliar period in our history. Other galleries, ranging in style from Art Deco to International, concentrate on more recent Swedish contributions.
Permanent Galleries
- Golden Map Room - First of three galleries devoted to New SwedenNew SwedenNew Sweden was a Swedish colony along the Delaware River on the Mid-Atlantic coast of North America from 1638 to 1655. Fort Christina, now in Wilmington, Delaware, was the first settlement. New Sweden included parts of the present-day American states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania....
. Exhibits elaborate on the theme of Sweden in the 17th century. - Colonial Room - Gallery depicts the daily life of the Swedish colonists. Surrounding exhibits tell about the colonists' journeys to America.
- New Sweden Room - Gallery telling the story of life on the land on which the Museum stands.
- The Stuga - Stuga means little house. This is a rendering of a 19th-century Swedish farmhouse interior.
- Nord Library – A research library with a collection focusing on the history of New SwedenNew SwedenNew Sweden was a Swedish colony along the Delaware River on the Mid-Atlantic coast of North America from 1638 to 1655. Fort Christina, now in Wilmington, Delaware, was the first settlement. New Sweden included parts of the present-day American states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania....
and the 19th century Swedish immigration. - Nobel: Celebrating a Century of Nobel Prizes - Exhibition about Alfred NobelAlfred NobelAlfred Bernhard Nobel was a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, and armaments manufacturer. He is the inventor of dynamite. Nobel also owned Bofors, which he had redirected from its previous role as primarily an iron and steel producer to a major manufacturer of cannon and other armaments...
and the Nobel prizes and Nobel Prizes recipients. - Kalm-Seaborg Room - Exhibitions here feature Swedish decorative arts in ceramics, glass and wood.
- Fredrika Bremer Room - Devoted to the accomplishments of Swedish women and named for Swedish novelist Fredrika BremerFredrika BremerFredrika Bremer was a Swedish writer and a feminist activist. She had a large influence on the social development in Sweden, especially in feminist issues.-Background:...
. - Jenny Lind Room - Features Swedish operatic singer Jenny LindJenny LindJohanna Maria Lind , better known as Jenny Lind, was a Swedish opera singer, often known as the "Swedish Nightingale". One of the most highly regarded singers of the 19th century, she is known for her performances in soprano roles in opera in Sweden and across Europe, and for an extraordinarily...
and the lasting effects of her widespread popularity in America. - Chicago Room - Honoring the contributions of Swedish-American architects and builders.
- John Ericsson Room - Wall mural shows John EricssonJohn EricssonJohn Ericsson was a Swedish-American inventor and mechanical engineer, as was his brother Nils Ericson. He was born at Långbanshyttan in Värmland, Sweden, but primarily came to be active in England and the United States...
presenting his design for the ironclad Monitor to the War Cabinet of Abraham LincolnAbraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
. - The Balcony - Paintings and sculptures by Swedish-American artists are exhibited, together with a selection of Swedish furniture.
Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award
The American Swedish Historical Museum Spirit of Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual, individuals or organization who/which has demonstrated a commitment to humanitarianism through acts which achieve a significant contribution, other than money, to alleviate human suffering or injustice, involved sacrifices or risks and are performed without expectation of reward or recognition. The award is named after Raoul WallenbergRaoul Wallenberg
Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish businessman, diplomat and humanitarian. He is widely celebrated for his successful efforts to rescue thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary from the Holocaust, during the later stages of World War II...
, the courageous Swedish diplomat and his work to save Hungarian Jews during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The Spirit of Raoul Wallenberg Award consists of a cash prize and a specially designed bowl from Orrefors
Orrefors
Orrefors is a locality situated in Nybro Municipality, Kalmar County, Sweden with 696 inhabitants in 2005. The internationally acclaimed Orrefors glassworks are situated here....
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
which is presented to the award recipient at the award ceremony. Past recipients have included A. Leon Higginbotham on the basis of his advocacy on behalf of America’s children within the legal profession and his human rights efforts in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Dr. William P. Magee, Jr. and Kathleen S. Magee for their work in establishing Operation Smile
Operation Smile
Operation Smile is a not-for-profit medical service organization based in Norfolk, Virginia , founded in 1982. A secular NGO, the children's medical charity provides cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide, assists countries in reaching self-sufficiency with these surgeries, and...
, Per Anger
Per Anger
Per Johan Valentin Anger was a Swedish diplomat who participated in numerous efforts to rescue Hungarian Jews from arrest and deportation by the Nazis during World War II.-Early career:...
for his collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg
Raoul Wallenberg
Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish businessman, diplomat and humanitarian. He is widely celebrated for his successful efforts to rescue thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary from the Holocaust, during the later stages of World War II...
in saving Hungarian Jews during WWII and the Reverend Dr. Haruun L. Ruun of Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
for his extraordinary efforts to bring peace to the divided state.
Related Reading
- Benson, Adolph B. and Naboth Hedin, eds. Swedes in America, 1638-1938 (The Swedish American Tercentenary Association. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 1938) ISBN 978-0-8383-0326-9
- Palmer, Irene Lucinda American Swedish Historical Museum (American Swedish History Museum. 1994)
- Ward, Christopher New Sweden on the Delaware (University of Pennsylvania Press. 1938)
- Ward, Christopher Delaware tercentenary almanack & historical repository (Delaware Tercentenary Commission. 1938)