Turbulent 2020 and the Swedish-American Museum Experience: A Conversation with the Directors

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Due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Fall Meeting of the Swedish-American Historical Society was a virtual affair.  On Sunday, October 25th, over 100 people from around the United States and internationally tuned in on Zoom to enjoy a wonderful presentation with the directors of our four largest Swedish-American museums:

  • Tracey Beck (American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia)
  • Karin Abercrombie (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
  • Bruce Karstadt (American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis)
  • Eric Nelson (National Nordic Museum, Seattle)

After a welcome from board chair Ronald J. Johnson and a brief report on the Society from president Philip J. Anderson, participants heard presentations by each of the directors about their museums, a moderated conversation with the four leaders, and questions from program attendees. We contemplated challenges and opportunities related to the pandemic as well as the broader realities faced by museums and the local communities where they reside and serve.  It was a landmark event, and we hope it will be the first of many wonderful digital events to come!  If you missed it, would like to see it again, or would like to pass it on to someone else, click on the video below to watch the recording.  Enjoy!