Swedish Museum Gala in Chicago will honor historic lodge
The Swedish American Museum will pay tribute to a venerable Andersonville community institution during its annual benefit event, “Garden Gala,” on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.
Verdandi Lodge No. 3, founded in 1890 by the Independent Order of Svithiod, has provided fellowship for Americans of Scandinavian heritage, plus scholarships and generous community support for almost 125 years.
At a time when the population of Swedes in Chicago was second only to that of the native country’s capital city of Stockholm, Verdandi Hall was an essential center of activity for thousands of immigrant members from 1910 until 1973.
The fraternal organization is one of many that helped immigrants become assimilated in their new lives in a busy city. Its meetings were conducted in Swedish until the late 1940s. Its ongoing cultural and educational grants are administered through the Svithiod Benevolent Assistance Program and Scholarship Fund.
The presentation plaque from Museum executive director Karin Moen Abercrombie and board chair Madelaine Gerbaulet-Vanasse will be accepted by Donald Mellskog and Karl Olle Eriksson of Verdandi.
The Museum’s black-tie optional Gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction. The dinner and program will follow, and music for dancing will be provided by Joe Lill’s Six of One. Tax-deductible reservations at $200 per person may be made at www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org.
The grand prize in a related raffle is a Chicago Blackhawks jersey autographed by Niklas Hjalmarsson. Others include a Tulip Tray by Svenskt Tenn and tickets for several Swedish culinary events. Silent auction prizes include a Blackhawks jersey autographed by Marcus Kruger, first class Delta Airlines tickets, Chicago Cubs tickets, and spa and salon packages.
Museum hours extended during November
The Swedish American Museum, Children’s Museum and store will be open for more hours during the month of November. Here is the schedule through November 30, except for November 27, when the Museum will be closed for Thanksgiving:
Museum and Store: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Children’s Museum: Monday through Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special events on the Museum calendar
Sunday, November 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Christmas Preview and Sale in the Museum store with glögg, pepparkakor and specially priced merchandise.
Thursday, November 6, 1 and 7 p.m.: Free showings of the Markell Wallander film, “Fotografen.”
Sunday, November 9, 1 p.m.: Scandinavian Jam with Mary Allsop and Paul Tyler; instructions begin at 1 p.m., jam session at 2 p.m.; participants are encouraged to bring instruments.
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.: “En Resa Genom Livet: Bokkvall med Ragnhild Stockenström,” a free book lecture that will take place in Swedish; author Stockenström is able to take questions in English, but her book is available in Swedish only.
Saturday, November 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Nordic Family Genealogy Center open house, “Exploring Your Swedish Roots,” with individual assistance from experts in translating documents and answering inquiries.
Sunday, November 16, 4 p.m.: Christmas Craft Workshop for making hand-dipped candles, paper heart baskets and Christmas ornaments.
Friday, November 21, 11 a.m.: Hejsan children’s story and craft hour based on “Every Autumn Comes the Bear” by Jim Aronsky.
Friday, November 21, 4 p.m.: Got Glögg? Tasting and competitive judging for best glögg (mulled wine) recipe in Chicago.
Saturday, November 22, 11 a.m.: Guided tour of the permanent exhibit, “A Dream of America – Swedish Immigration to Chicago.”
Sunday, November 23, 6 p.m.: Traditional goose dinner in honor of August Strindberg, catered by Tre Kronor Restaurant.
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 the website at www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org.
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