American Swedish Historical Museum — Attraction in Philadelphia

During 1926, the Swedish-American committee of the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 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 Princess Louise made up the royal party that...

ASHM is such a gorgeous wedding venue, my fiancé and I could not be happier. WE toured so many venues in the greater Philadelphia area, and this one was by far the best. They have a great variety of spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception both indoors and outdoors. There is also great history and exhibits that we are excited for out guests to see as well. Not only that, but access to the nearby park allows even more great photo taking locations beyond the already gorgeous options at the museum.

Not only is the space beautiful, but the staff has been so helpful. They have always been willing to show us (and our family members) around the space whenever we needed/wanted to. Bonnie has been integral to our early planning process and helped minimize our stress...

This museum is just a short walk away from the Sports Complex and is housed in FDR Park, an expansive city park outfitted with a lake and all. The building is beautiful inside and out.

The museum is divided into several themed rooms that each showcase an achievement of Swedish Americans. I especially liked the Golden Map room and the New Sweden gallery. There are also rooms dedicated to noteworthy Swedes that influenced aspects of American life.

The museum is less about Sweden and more about Swedes in America. It is clean, the architecture is beautiful, and it’s surprisingly modern! Check it out of you have a few hours to spare! It’s small in a way, but it still took me over two and a half hours. But then again, I...