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Welcome/Välkommen!

The Swenson Center is a national and international research center for the study of Swedish-American history and relations. 

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We collect, preserve and make available archival and library materials, promote and initiate research, and are a leader in Swedish-American genealogy. 

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Library & Archives

Discover our resources by searching both the library catalog and archives database. 

Newsletter

Stay informed with our monthly email newsletter

News

Events

  • Julbord Dinner 2023 (SOLD OUT!)
    Julbord Dinner 2023 (SOLD OUT!)
    Julbord Dinner 2023 (SOLD OUT!)
    Mon, Dec 04
    Gävle Room, The Gerber Center
    Dec 04, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST
    Gävle Room, The Gerber Center, 3435 9 1/2 Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
    Dec 04, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST
    Gävle Room, The Gerber Center, 3435 9 1/2 Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
    (SOLD OUT!) Enjoy traditional Swedish-American Christmas smörgåsbord fare with the Swenson Center! After dinner, head over to Ascension Chapel for the annual Sankta Lucia Festival.
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  • Swedish 2 (Nov-Dec 2023)
    Swedish 2 (Nov-Dec 2023)
    Multiple Dates
    Swedish 2 (Nov-Dec 2023)
    Sun, Dec 10
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Dec 10, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Dec 10, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Virtual, via Zoom
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  • Nordic Book Club, December
    Nordic Book Club, December
    Nordic Book Club, December
    Tue, Dec 12
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Dec 12, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Dec 12, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
    Virtual, via Zoom
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  • Swedish 3
    Swedish 3
    Multiple Dates
    Swedish 3
    Sun, Jan 07
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Jan 07, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Jan 07, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST
    Virtual, via Zoom
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  • Genealogy Club, January 2024
    Genealogy Club, January 2024
    Genealogy Club, January 2024
    Mon, Jan 15
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Jan 15, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Virtual, via Zoom
    Jan 15, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Virtual, via Zoom
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Testimonials

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Anne-Charlotte Harvey

Professor Emerita, San Diego State University

Having twice been a guest scholar at the Center myself, I can testify to its unique holdings, its skilled and dedicated staff, and its welcoming ambience. In SSIRC's focused setting, research can be done more efficiently than at larger institutions. SSIRC is one of the two foremost archives worldwide holding Swedish-American newspapers, currently digitizing this resource to offer increased accessibility.

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