Locals can learn all about the trek across the Atlantic made by Norwegian immigrants through the American Swedish Historical Museum and its latest exhibit, which opens to the public this weekend.
‘Across the Atlantic: Sloopers and the First Organized Emigration from Norway to America’ follows the story of 52 Quaker Norwegian emigrants traveling aboard a small sloop called the “Restauration.” Through the showcase, locals will learn about the 98-day journey made in 1825 through different paintings and illustrations on display in the venue’s balcony area.
The exhibit will be on view at ASHM from May 22 to Oct. 19. Admission is included with general tickets, but there are also a few standalone immersive events to keep an eye out for to dive even deeper into ‘Across the Atlantic.’
An opening night celebration will be in full swing this Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. While there, guests can try traditional Norwegian recipes, a special kransekake from MANDEL bakery, and gain the opportunity to meet Susan Satkowski, Honorary Consul General to Norway. The event is free and open to the public, but the Museum requests you RSVP online.
Additionally, later in the summer, families can head to the ASHM for Norway Free Family Day. Taking place Aug. 8 (noon to 4 p.m.), locals will learn about Norwegian culture through craft activities throughout the Museum galleries, try out Norwegian folk art styles and experience some of early Scandinavian Viking life, a release notes.
The American Swedish Historical Society will also be celebrating 250 years of the US Navy through a separate pop-up, set to open at the Museum next month.
‘And Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Shipbuilding in Greater Philadelphia’ will be on view at the venue from June 26 to Jan. 4, and will feature art and artifacts from the National Museum of the United States Navy. Admission is included with ASHM general tickets, but museum admission is free for all military personnel, veterans, and their families during the run of the exhibition.
Philadelphians can join in on an opening night reception as well on June 25 (5 to 7 p.m.). The evening will boast catered refreshments and drinks and opportunities to chat with NMUSN Curator Gordon Calhoun and ASHM Curator Brett Peters, who will be circulating in the exhibit.
There will also be a Virtual Lecture on US Navy Shipbuilding in the Greater Philadelphia area with Gordon Calhoun on Sept. 12 (noon), and a Navy Free Family Day on Oct. 12. With the latter, families will be able to try out engineering and nautical-themed activities in the Museum galleries, including US Navy LEGO shipbuilding with the Kalmar Nyckel from noon to 4 p.m.
And finally, there will be a Navy Yard Tour (9 a.m. to noon) on Oct. 2 where CAPT Francis Spencer, USN (Ret.) will lead a guided trolley tour of the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard, including both its U.S. Navy history and its more recent commercial history. The program will begin at ASHM for a brief tour of ‘And Let Victory Tell the Rest’ with Peters, followed by a ride in the trolley to the Navy Yard. Following the tour, participants will eat at Shop 543 Café before boarding the trolley back to ASHM.
To find out more information on everything coming up at the American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Ave.), visit americanswedish.org
