Swedish–American Historical Society Membership
When you become a member of Swedish–American Historical Society, you join the ranks of loyal and dedicated members that help us fulfill our mission of studying the Swedish emigration, the history and culture of Swedish immigrants and their descendants in North America, and the ongoing history of relations between the United States and Sweden, through research, publications, programs, and archives.
Swedish–American Historical Publications
Publication has been a primary goal of the Swedish–American Historical Society from the beginning. The original slogan adopted 15 January 1949 was “Established to record the achievements of the Swedish pioneers.” Early newsletters reported a number of book projects under consideration. The Society’s first book, A Pioneer in Northwest America, 1841-1858: The Memoirs of Gustaf Unonius, Volume I, was published in December 1950. This was preceded by the first issue of the Swedish Pioneer (now Swedish–American) Historical Quarterly in the summer of 1950.
In the years since the first Unonius book, the Society has published several dozen more books covering a broad historical spectrum, including Unonius, Volume II, five histories, three biographies, three memoirs, three reference works, five books resulting from Society conferences, a book of essays, two books of letters and two bibliographies. Among the most successful books have been Letters from the Promised Land, by H. Arnold Barton, and Ingrid, by Ingrid Bergstrom. In 2010 the Society published its first novel: Shuttle in Her Hand: A Swedish Immigrant Weaver in America. In addition to its own books, the Society has distributed more than two dozen others as dividends.
Find books here in the Swedish–American Historical Society Bookstore.
Swedish–American Historical Quarterly
The Quarterly, published now for more than 60 years, has been called “the most important and continuing source of information about Swedes in North America” and is cited frequently in books and articles. Its editors have included Paul A. Varg, E. Gustav Johnson, Franklin D. Scott, Arnold Barton, Raymond Jarvi, Byron Nordstrom, Kevin Proescholdt, and, currently, Mark Safstrom.
One of the most valued benefits of membership in the Swedish–American Historical Society is receiving its quarterly publication. The title of the journal was the Swedish Pioneer Historical Quarterly from 1950 to 1983. Full of historic illustrations and substantial articles by researchers, noted authors, and leading academics, the Swedish–American Historical Quarterly documents and interprets the Swedish–American presence in North America. The Quarterly is published four times a year, in January, April, July, and October.
Swedish–American Archives of Greater Chicago
Back issues of The Swedish–American Historical Quarterly have been digitized and are available online thanks to a generous grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. The collection is maintained by the Swedish–American Archives of Greater Chicago (SAAGC) and is fully searchable. Swedish–American Historical Quarterly archives here.
Programs and Events
The Society sponsors two meetings annually for its members, including periodic academic conferences featuring noted speakers and panelists, dinner meetings in Chicago, and field trips to Swedish–American sites. Non-members are welcome if space is available. A dinner meeting and program is held at least once a year. Every year or so, the Society sponsors historical tours of Swedish–America, usually in cooperation with local Swedish historical societies. Stay up to date on all the latest news about Dinners, Events and Programs in our News and Events section.
