ARCHIVED STORY: SKÅL! SCANDINAVIAN SPIRITS, the new exhibit at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago, opens April 1, 2016
Exhibit to focus on ‘Scandinavian Spirits’
The cultural history of the enjoyment of beverages in Scandinavian-American communities will be explored in “SKÅL! Scandinavian Spirits,” an exhibit that will open Friday, April 1, 2016, in the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
The focus of the exhibit, which runs through Sunday, June 19, is the spirited tradition of enjoying such thirst quenchers as aquavit and beer among friends. People in Sweden, Norway and Denmark are known well for sharing toasts in this manner.
The presentation, curated by the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, will have an opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That will be followed at 6 and 7:30 p.m. by tastings of aquavit cocktails furnished by Christer Olsen of Arcus AS (participants must be at least age 21).
A Gallery Walk, scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, will be conducted by Tove Brandt of the Danish museum.
Two related events are planned on Friday, April 29: Start with Art from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Family Night from 4 to 7 p.m.
During a special evening on Thursday, May 12, a talk on “City of the Big Drinkers: Chicago’s Swedish-American Community in the Age of Temperance and Prohibition” will be given by historian and bartender Jim Seaver, who teaches the subject at Indiana University.
After the lecture, the audience is invited to cross Clark Street to historic Simon’s Tavern, a one-time speakeasy, for conversation and tours by owner Scott Martin (participants must be at least age 21).
Additional Events on the late March 2016 schedule at the Swedish American Museum:
Friday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 12 noon – Hejsan, a story and craft hour for children of all ages, based on “The Easter Egg” by Jan Brett.
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Swedish American Genealogical Society program, “Let’s Visit Sweden,” a discussion among members (rescheduled from March 26).
Saturday, March 19, 1 p.m. – Guided tour of the permanent second-floor immigration exhibit, “The Dream of America.”
Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m. – Bullerbyn, a program of reading and singing in Swedish for children of ages 6 months to 5 years and their parents; followed by Svenska Skolan for adults.
Sunday, March 20, 12 noon to 3 p.m. – Andersonville Winter Market with local vendors in the Museum.
Saturday, March 26, 5 p.m. – Paskmiddag, a traditional Easter buffet smorgasbord with an egg hunt for kids.
The Immigration Museum, Children’s Museum and Museum store will be closed on Good Friday, March 25, and Easter Sunday, March 27.
Coming up in early April 2016
Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. – “Super Grandpa” story and craft hour based on the story by David M. Schwartz.
Sunday, April 10, 10 a.m. – Bullerbyn, a program of reading and singing in Swedish for children of ages 6 months to 5 years and their parents; followed by Svenska Skolan for adults.
Sunday, April 10, 1 to 3:30 p.m. – Scandinavian Jam of traditional tunes led by Mary Allsop and Paul Tyler; participants are welcome to bring instruments and join the music making.
Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m. – Museum dinner followed by Annual Meeting, review of achievements and activities, and recognition of volunteers.
Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Special Day of Volunteering at the Museum in one-hour opportunities.
Friday, April 15, 11 a.m. to 12 noon – Hejsan, a story and craft hour for children of all ages, based on “Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms” by Julia Rawlinson.
Friday, April 15, 5 to 8 p.m. – Tantalizing Treasures Sale preview party, with opportunity to bid on a select group of items.
Saturday, April 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Biannual benefit Tantalizing Treasures Sale of gently used collectibles, jewelry, furniture, children’s toys and much more.
MUSEUM HOURS:
Regular hours of the Swedish American Museum, the Brunk Children’s Museum and the Museum Store follow.
The Museum building and exhibits: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Children’s Museum: Monday through Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Museum Store: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Nordic Family Genealogy Center at the Museum is open by appointment to individuals who wish to conduct research from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each Wednesday. Experienced assistance is available. Free to Museum members; $10 per visit for non-members.
About the Swedish American Museum
Founded in 1976, the Swedish American Museum is a not-for-profit educational center that interprets the immigrant experience for children and adults, and promotes an appreciation of contemporary Swedish-American culture. The Museum is located at 5211 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood and is open seven days a week. For information on events and admission fees, visit our website at http://www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org.
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