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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. 

Plan a visit
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Academic Research

We are happy to assist scholars on-site or via remote requests

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Genealogy

Visitors can make a research appointment. Or we can be hired to conduct research for you.

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Events

Register for our upcoming book club, language classes, and more! 

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Class Instruction

Plan a class visit for students to use primary source materials

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Internships

Gain hands-on experience in a library/archives

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News

Recent posts
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Newsletter

 

Events

See more
Upcoming events
  • Swedish 1 (Fall 2021)
    Multiple Dates
    Swedish 1 (Fall 2021)
    Wed, Oct 27
    Zoom
    Oct 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Zoom
    Learn Swedish with us!
    Register
  • QC Archives Fair
    QC Archives Fair
    Sat, Oct 30
    Moline
    Oct 30, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
    Moline, 1105 8th St, Moline, IL 61265, USA
    Do you love history? Archives? Museums?
    Details
  • Nordic Book Club, November
    Nordic Book Club, November
    Tue, Nov 09
    Zoom
    Nov 09, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
    Zoom
    November's book is The Creak on the Stairs by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, translated by Victoria Cribb, 2021
    Register
  • God Jul Ornaments
    God Jul Ornaments
    Sat, Nov 13
    Rock Island
    Nov 13, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
    Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
    In this workshop create painted wooden God Jul (Merry Christmas in Swedish) ornaments.
    Register
  • Festival of Sankta Lucia
    Festival of Sankta Lucia
    Mon, Nov 29
    Ascension Chapel (2nd floor), Founders
    Nov 29, 7:00 PM CST
    Ascension Chapel (2nd floor), Founders, 820 38th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
    Augustana's annual celebration with traditional Scandinavian Christmas carols, lessons, and poetry.
    Details
  • Nordic Book Club, December
    Nordic Book Club, December
    Tue, Dec 14
    Zoom
    Dec 14, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
    Zoom
    Show and tell your favorite Nordic holiday/winter stories.
    Register
  • Nordic Book Club, January
    Nordic Book Club, January
    Tue, Jan 11
    Zoom
    Jan 11, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
    Zoom
    Nordicana: 100 Icons of Nordic Cool & Scandi Style
    Register
  • Genealogy Club, January
    Genealogy Club, January
    Mon, Jan 17
    Zoom
    Jan 17, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CST
    Zoom
    Join us to discuss using Swedish-American Church Records (online/print/microfilm) for your genealogical research.
    Register
  • Genealogy Club, February
    Genealogy Club, February
    Mon, Feb 21
    Zoom
    Feb 21, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Zoom
    Join us to discuss genealogy research in Småland province.
    Register

Testimonials

Submit Yours
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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.