www.chicagoswedes.org

Swedish History In The Chicago Area.

www.chicagoswedes.org — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

After the discovery of the vast and virgin landmass called North America small parties of immigrants from many European countries began to arrive and establish colonies to eek out a marginal existence in what is now the Northeastern United States. Over time these colonies forged themselves into great communities and eventually into the United States of America, a country founded by immigrants of many different nationalities. Once the United States had proven itself to be a land of freedom and prosperity for Europeans, immigrants began flooding into the United States across the Atlantic Ocean to the Northeastern states.This helps explain it more. Among these immigrants were the Swedes who established themselves most prominently in the Chicago area. At one time Chicago was home to more Swedes than any other city in the world apart from Stockholm and vestiges of this proud and prolific culture are still present in many parts of the city. The most popular historically Swedish neighborhood is Andersonville, located in northern Chicago and the home of the Swedish American museum as well as many Swedish stores and restaurants. Chicago is also home to the annual Swedish Days festival, celebrating Swedish culture and influence in Chicago and includes parades, traditional music and food.

Interested In Swedish Culture? We Have The Info.

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If your heritage is Swedish you may want to head to Chicago to learn more about this country in Northern Europe. Chicago has many museums, history centers and festivals, that promote the history of Sweden. If you come to Chicago in June you can experience summer-fest, a Swedish festival that has been happening for one hundred years. Learning about Vikings, tasting Swedish foods and classes in the traditional language, will all be part of this festival. The cost for this festival is minimal, however if you dress in traditional Swedish fashion, you will be able to attend for free. This festival can be a great learning experience for the whole family. Another great place to see in this area, is a recreation of a small Swedish village.

Bishop Hill, is a picture perfect recreation of what Sweden may have looked like in the eighteenth century. Swedish settlers came to Illinois to have religious freedom, and set up this community to resemble their home in Europe. You can walk the streets, in this reproduction of a Swedish Village, and feel like you are thousands of miles away in the heart of Scandinavia. Learning about Swedish culture is fun for everyone no matter what their heritage is. Chicago is a fantastic place to discover your Swedish roots.

The Swedish Culture Of the Chicago Area.

admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The impact of the Swedish emigration to Chicago is apparent all over town. By the 1900 there were more Swedes in Chicago than there were in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden!

Swedes have a long history of generosity, compassion, and were progressive in the causes they supported politically and socially. Shortly after the founding of the Vasa Order of America was formed as a social network for Swedish emigrants in 1896; the culture of Swedes in Chicago really settled in.

You will find many interesting Swedish cultural impacts in Chicago, including the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Swedish Covenant Hospital and North Park University.Additional information can be found at http://atreegrowsinbklyn.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/swedish-midsummer-festival-in-battery-park-or-svensk-midsommar-festival-i-battery-park/.

The Swedish cultural center in Chicago is probably The Swedish American Museum. Browse the artifacts and history of American Swedes at The Swedish American Museum, here Swedish culture and History are celebrated. They even offer Swedish language classes, and there is a focused Children’s Museum as well.

Dig into the past and learn more at the Center for Scandinavian Studies and the archives of the Swedish American Historical Society at North Park College and Theological Seminary

If it’s still morning, enjoy an Oslo Omelet and Falukorv Sausage, at Tre Kronor, a local Swedish restaraunt, it’s just across the street.

Swedish Traditions In The Chicago Area.

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Swedish are a lively and strong people, having integrated themselves into the Chicago communities,
from their immigration days in the late 19th century.

The Swedish brought with them skilled crafts men, and entrepreneurs as well. Chicago has benefited greatly from the Swedish immigrants, they have shared their heritage, knowledge and traditions with us.

Swedish American Museum-

The Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, made “Best of Chicago-2011″ list, say sources at Best of Chicago magazine. With so many exhibits children can experience hands-on, there is fun and enjoyment for the whole family. Open to the public, and scheduled school tours.

The Lucia Tradition

Observed during December, during which the eldest daughter wears the traditional Swedish long beautiful dress, and a beautiful crown holding 7 candles, she serves pastries to her family. (lucia buns) Parades and processions held every year at the Swedish American Museum.

Andersonville’s Midsommarfest

From old-world traditions come the wonderful international flavors this Chicago tradition has to offer, Swedish Maypole dancing and singing, costumed Nordic folk dancers, and several stages kept busy with famous singers and entertainers, for all families and adults, pets on parade and lots of games, there is food and excitement for everyone to enjoy.