American Swedish Institute

Sommarhistorietter with Gregg White
2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
This class meets weekly on Thursdays from June 4–25, 2026.

This four-week class, taught by Gregg White, is intended for students who already have a good grasp of Swedish and wish to apply their knowledge to reading some classics of Swedish literature. Both Swedish and English will be spoken. Course materials provided by the instructor. Weekly advanced registration required.

June Open Nordic Jam
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Join us on the first Thursday of every month for Open Nordic Jam!

Have you ever wanted to play music in the historic Turnblad Mansion? Now’s your chance! Bring your nyckelharpa, hardingfele, fiddle, or any acoustic instrument to ASI’s Open Nordic Jam. This jam is open to musicians of all levels who want to learn and play Nordic folk music. Bring your friends or plan to make new ones here!
Minnesota has long been known for its rich music scenes—in part due to the many immigrant diasporas that have established themselves in the area. From Nisswa-stämman to the Nordic Roots festival, to the countless house jams across the state, Nordic folk music is an important part of Minnesota’s musical identity. Whether you’re a master fiddler or want to learn more about folk music, this monthly gathering is for you!
This jam is facilitated by ASI staff, but tunes are selected each time by musicians in the room. We will play standards and originals inspired by the folk traditions of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. While many musicians may bring traditional instruments, all acoustic instrumentalists are welcome to participate. If you do not play an instrument, you can still attend if you respectfully observe and listen. Dancing is encouraged but not required—see you there! No advanced registration required.

Illuminating Immigration in Media: Contemporary Perspectives from Sweden and the Twin Cities
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
The inaugural Edward and Elizabeth Carlson Sweden Project event will take place on June 4, 2026, and feature journalists from The Local Sweden and Sahan Journal in conversation about how immigration issues are covered in Sweden and Minnesota. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain new perspectives on immigration in both the Swedish and US contexts.
Immigrant communities around the world have specific needs for information not always covered by traditional newspapers and have historically benefitted from news sources dedicated to their distinct experiences. James Savage (The Local Sweden) is joining Andrew Hazzard and Shubhanjana Das (Sahan Journal) in a panel discussion to their experiences working for mission-driven newsrooms covering stories for and about immigrants in Sweden and Minnesota.
Moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro (Under-Told Stories, PBS NewsHour), the conversation will explore contemporary immigration issues in Sweden and Minnesota and their recent historical context through the lens of journalism, illuminating how coverage differs in each country and what we can learn from each other. Additionally, event attendees will hear firsthand about what it’s like being a journalist in each country and working for a newsroom with a specific purpose: to provide essential information for immigrant communities.
PANELISTS:
James Savage is Founder and Publishing Director of The Local, the biggest source of local news and advice for international professionals/expats in nine European countries. His focus is on building reader revenues and making news sustainable in the 21st century for the benefit of diverse audiences across Europe. He writes about Swedish and European affairs for The Local and is a frequent commentator in Swedish media on British and Swedish affairs. He is chair of the Swedish Magazine Publishers’ Association (Sveriges tidskrifter) and chair of Utgivarna, which gathers all major Swedish media companies to speak on areas of common interest and promote free speech. He won Sveriges Tidskrifter’s Grand Prize in 2021 for his contributions to the Swedish media industry. James lives in Stockholm and is originally from Lincolnshire, England.
Andrew Hazzard is a reporter with Sahan Journal who focuses on climate change and environmental justice issues. After starting his career in daily newspapers in Mississippi and North Dakota, Andrew returned to Minneapolis where he worked for local publications such as Southwest Journal. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Andrew enjoys travel, speaks Spanish, and is a depressed supporter of Minnesota’s professional sports teams. He and his wife live in Minneapolis.
Shubhanjana Das is a reporter at Sahan Journal. She is a journalist from India and previously worked as a reporting fellow at Sahan before stepping into her current role. Before moving to the U.S., she spent five years working as an independent journalist in India, writing for outlets including VICE, Vogue, The Indian Express, and Mongabay. She is a 2026 National Press Foundation fellow and graduated from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 2025.
MODERATOR:
Fred de Sam Lazaro is the founder and executive director of the Under-Told StoriesProject and has served as a correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, since 1985. He also was a regular contributor and substitute anchor for PBS’ Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. Fred also has directed films from India and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the acclaimed documentary series, Wide Angle. Fred has reported from 70 countries with a focus on the myriad issues that underlie poverty and human suffering which are under-reported in the mainstream U.S. media.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Advanced registration encouraged, tickets at the door if available.
The American Swedish Institute (ASI) was founded by Swan Turnblad, a Swedish immigrant to Minnesota who created Svenska Amerikanska Posten, a Swedish-language newspaper (1885–1940) serving the Swedish immigrant population in Minnesota. Sharing stories of migration, identity, and belonging are central to the mission of ASI.
The Local Sweden was founded in 2004 to cover Swedish news and essential information in English for immigrants, frequent visitors, and others interested in Swedish news and has since expanded to offer coverage in nine European countries.
Sahan Journal was founded in 2019 as a nonprofit digital newsroom dedicated to reporting for immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota.
This event is part of the Edward and Elizabeth Carlson Sweden Project, which provides a lens on contemporary Sweden through conversations with renowned Swedish scholars and leaders.
Funding comes from a generous gift from Steve and Cathy Carlson in honor of Edward and Elizabeth Carlson.
Additional support is provided by Sahan Journal.

Swedish Conversation Group: Tala SVENska med Sven
2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | American Swedish Institute
This group will meet monthly over the summer on the 2nd Friday of the month. June 12, July 10, August 14.

Use or practice your Swedish skills in this fun conversation group led by Sven, a longtime ASI volunteer originally from Sweden. Check in at the front desk, purchase some fika from FIKA if you wish and enjoy a morning of conversation på svenska. This group meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 10:30-11:30 am. On the second Friday, meet the group in the Lindberg Stuga and on the fourth Friday, meet the group in Classroom A, both on the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion. Free; no RSVP required.

Swedish Grammar Intensive: Advanced Verb with Rachel Willson-Broyles
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:30 | American Swedish Institute
Do you love going down the rabbit hole of grammar? Or perhaps grammar confuses you, but you want to understand it better. Join us! These three classes are built as standalones, so you can take one, two, or all three. Each will introduce the grammar topic with examples and handouts, and you can expect some in-class exercises and group work. Grammar terms will also be introduced and explained. Materials provided by the instructor. These classes are meant to supplement the nine-week language course and are appropriate for intermediate students and higher (i.e., your regular class is using the B1/B2 textbook).
Advanced Verb (this session)—This class will take a close look at some interesting forms of Swedish verbs, including transitive-intransitive pairs (such as att sova-att söva) and why some verbs end in -s.
Partikelverb och prepositioner—What is the difference between ”hälsa på” and ”hälsa på”? And what about ”påhälsning”? Let’s talk about phrasal verbs and prepositions! Prepositions are often among the most frustrating aspects of learning Swedish, and this class will aim to demystify them and offer strategies for using them effectively.
Morphology—In linguistics, morphology is the study of words, and there are so many intriguing aspects to explore about word-building in Swedish. In this class, we will discuss compound words and their formation, as well as prefixes (such as o-) and suffixes (such as -ig), and how they work. part of a series of three classes, registration is separate for each class Advanced registration required.

Makers Night
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:30 | American Swedish Institute
Gather with other makers for a friendly and productive evening! Makers Night is a monthly opportunity every third Thursday for anyone interested in craft to work in community in our Berglund Studio Classroom or in the summer, on our beautiful front lawn! Bring a project to work on and any tools you need, and be ready to share conversation, tips and questions.
Free; no advanced registration required. ASI also offers weekly, Virtual Makers Mornings.

Fika med vardagsspråk: Swedish Conversation with Jean Hanslin
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:30 | American Swedish Institute
This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from June 24–July 8, 2026.

Practice everyday conversation på svenska in a relaxed coffee party atmosphere with instructor Jean Hanslin. Topics will include people, food, and time terms. No materials needed. Come ready to use your Swedish listening and speaking skills. Students should have completed Rivstart A1/A2 before joining this three-week class. Advanced registration required.

Spel på svenska! with Jean Hanslin
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:30 | American Swedish Institute
This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from June 24–July 8, 2026.

Improve your Swedish pronunciation, enhance your comprehension, and expand your vocabulary in this interactive, three-week class taught by Jean Hanslin. Expect hands-on learning with word games and puzzles. It will be all Swedish, all the time!
Additional information:

This class is suitable for students at the Intermediate I level and above.
Materials provided by the instructor.
Advanced registration required.

Swedish Grammar Intensive: Partikelverb och prepositioner with Rachel Willson-Broyles
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | American Swedish Institute
Do you love going down the rabbit hole of grammar? Or perhaps grammar confuses you, but you want to understand it better. Join us! These three classes are built as standalones, so you can take one, two, or all three. Each will introduce the grammar topic with examples and handouts, and you can expect some in-class exercises and group work. Grammar terms will also be introduced and explained. Materials provided by the instructor. These classes are meant to supplement nine-week language courses and are appropriate for intermediate students and higher (i.e., your regular class is using the B1/B2 textbook).
Advanced Verb—This class will take a close look at some interesting forms of Swedish verbs, including transitive-intransitive pairs (such as att sova-att söva) and why some verbs end in -s.
Partikelverb och prepositioner (this session)—What is the difference between ”hälsa på” and ”hälsa på”? And what about ”påhälsning”? Let’s talk about phrasal verbs and prepositions! Prepositions are often among the most frustrating aspects of learning Swedish, and this class will aim to demystify them and offer strategies for using them effectively.
Morphology—In linguistics, morphology is the study of words, and there are so many intriguing aspects to explore about word-building in Swedish. In this class, we will discuss compound words and their formation, as well as prefixes (such as o-) and suffixes (such as -ig), and how they work. part of a series of three classes, registration is separate for each class Advanced registration required.

All About Finnish with Daniel Haataja
2026-06-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Thursdays from June 25–July 9, 2026.

Have you heard the myth that Finnish is an impossibly difficult language? Curious to find out more about its structure and vocabulary? During this three-session course taught by Daniel Haataja, we’ll look at Finnish from a linguistic perspective and discuss what makes it different, but not necessarily difficult. We’ll also explore how the language has changed over time and continues to evolve today.
Additional information:

No knowledge of Finnish is required, but you may leave the course with a strong desire to start learning the language.
Advanced registration required.

Start Reading Swedish: Svenska hjältinnor with Liz Stopka
2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from July 8-29, 2026.

Are you just starting your Swedish language learning journey, but are already keen to start reading? Are you looking for an opportunity to keep up with your Swedish this summer? This class is for you! Read and discuss texts about important Swedish women from history from the book Svenska hjältinnor, and participate in activities to support your reading and vocabulary building. This class, taught by Liz Stopka, is for students with at least one year of Swedish language study or equivalent.
Additional information:

Class materials will be provided by the instructor.
Advanced registration required.

SOLD OUT Keep Reading Swedish: I skuggorna with Liz Stopka
2026-07-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Online
This program is sold out. Please call 612-871-4907 to be added to the waitlist.
This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from July 8-29, 2026.

Keep up with your Swedish this summer by reading the exciting deckare (detective book) I skuggorna (lättläst) by Sara Lövestam, the third in the Kouplan series. Over the course of four weeks, students will read and discuss the novel together in Swedish, reading about 40 pages per week. This class, taught by Liz Stopka, is suitable for students at the Intermediate I level of Swedish and above (your regular class has finished Rivstart A1/A2) or equivalent.
Additional information:

Required materials: I skuggorna (lättläst) by Sara Lövestam.
Advanced registration required.

Sámi History 101 with Christian Hans Pedersen
2026-07-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
The Sámi (Northern Sámi: Sápmelaččat or Sámit) are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe, whose lands, Sápmi, are claimed and divided by the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Russian nation-states. Despite the central roles they’ve played in the political, economic, and cultural histories of Northern Europe, the Sámi are commonly depicted as ahistorical wildlings whose lands are an unused frontier, ripe for development. This engaging series of lectures illuminates how untrue those depictions are.
About the series:

In “Sámi History 101,” we’ll examine the fundamentals of Sámi history and culture, surveying oral histories, subsistence practices, societal organization, and Sámi cultural icons.
In session two, “Sámi History 102,” we’ll expand on the topics in session one by inspecting how historical relations and archaeological, linguistic, and genetic studies contribute to the study of Sámi history.
In “Sámi Histories of Colonization,” we’ll dive into how encroachment, taxation, and borders, among others, constructed and construct Fennoscandic colonialisms, creating a timeline of how colonization has looked and still looks in Sápmi.
In the final segment, “Sápmi Today,” we’ll trace those legacies to the present to contextualize Sámi survivance, or survival through resistance, by examining political organizing, rights, and contemporary forms of colonization in Sápmi.

Additional information:

A recommended reading and media list will be mailed out to all participants following the first session.
These live lectures will be held on Wednesday evenings over Zoom.
Attendance requires a reliable internet connection and a device with audio and video functionality.
Advanced registration required; each lecture has a separate registration.

Swedish Grammar Intensive: Morphology with Rachel Willson-Broyles
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:30 | American Swedish Institute
Do you love going down the rabbit hole of grammar? Or perhaps grammar confuses you, but you want to understand it better. Join us! These three classes are built as standalones, so you can take one, two, or all three. Each will introduce the grammar topic with examples and handouts, and you can expect some in-class exercises and group work. Grammar terms will also be introduced and explained. Materials provided by the instructor. These classes are meant to supplement the nine-week language course and are appropriate for intermediate students and higher (i.e., your regular class is using the B1/B2 textbook).
Advanced Verb—This class will take a close look at some interesting forms of Swedish verbs, including transitive-intransitive pairs (such as att sova-att söva) and why some verbs end in -s.
Partikelverb och prepositioner—What is the difference between ”hälsa på” and ”hälsa på”? And what about ”påhälsning”? Let’s talk about phrasal verbs and prepositions! Prepositions are often among the most frustrating aspects of learning Swedish, and this class will aim to demystify them and offer strategies for using them effectively.
Morphology (this session)—In linguistics, morphology is the study of words, and there are so many intriguing aspects to explore about word-building in Swedish. In this class, we will discuss compound words and their formation, as well as prefixes (such as o-) and suffixes (such as -ig), and how they work. part of a series of three classes, registration is separate for each class Advanced registration required.

Intro to Swedish with Liz Stopka
2026-07-09 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Are you curious about the Swedish language but not ready to commit to a multi-date class yet? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Liz Stopka is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish—pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

Virtual Makers Mornings
2026-07-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-21 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-28 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Online
Every Tuesday Join other makers online for this weekly opportunity to work, share, and visit in a relaxed Virtual setting. Whether you knit, carve, weave, sew, spin, crochet, or do some other fascinating thing with your hands, we invite you to tune in with a project to work on. All are welcome, regardless of ability level or craft of choice! Drop in as often as you like, for as long as you like to join the conversation.
Additional information

Registration is required for this free Virtual program.
Makers need a device with video capabilities and a project to work on.
By registering, makers will gain ongoing access to ASI’s Virtual Makers Mornings and receive weekly reminder emails.

Sámi History 102 with Christian Hans Pedersen
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Online

Sápmi Histories of Colonization with Christian Hans Pedersen
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Online

Keep Reading Swedish: Elin Wägner's Pennskaftet (lättläst) with Kjerstin Moody
2026-08-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 4-25, 2026.

In this course, taught in Swedish and designed for students at the B2 level, students will read the lättläst version of Swedish author Elin Wägner’s novel Pennskaftet (1910). Set in Stockholm at the beginning of the 20th century, the novel follows the daily life of “Penwoman,” Barbro Magnus, as she fights for and finds a place as a respected journalist in a male-dominated field and society. Set during the period when women in Sweden were fighting for the right to vote, the book also introduces readers to an active group of female suffragists and sheds light on other issues related to class, gender rights, and female emancipation in Sweden at the time.
Additional information:

We will read between 20-30 pages each week, assigned in advance each week by the instructor, and we will complete the book by our last class session.
Required materials: Pennskaftet (lättläst), Elin Wägner. Available in the ASI Museum Store.
Advanced registration required.

Modern Poetry in Swedish with Kjerstin Moody
2026-08-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 4-25, 2026.

This class, taught in Swedish, is designed for students at A2-B1 levels who would like to dive into the rich trove of poetry written in Swedish during the 20th and 21st centuries. For the first half of class each week, students will work in small groups with students of their same Swedish-language level to parse out and discuss a pre-assigned sampling of poems. During the second half of each class, students will come together to discuss the assigned poems’ content, structure, tone, voice, and meaning. The close of class each week will be dedicated to a brief discussion related to word choice and English translation.
Additional information:

We will read 6-10 short poems each week, assigned by the instructor in advance of each class period.
Poems not covered during our four-week class will be left for students to continue reading and studying on their own.
Required materials: The Star By My Head: Poets from Sweden, Bilingual poems, edited and translated by Malena Mörling and Jonas Ellerström, available in the ASI Museum Store.
Advanced registration required.

August Open Nordic Jam
2026-08-06 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute

Passport to Sweden: A Swedish language and culture camp
2026-08-13 09:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
Registration for this program is now closed.

Passport to Sweden invites children ages 6–10 on a one-day cultural adventure. Through multimodal learning experiences, campers discover new Swedish words and explore the geography, customs, and modern life of Sweden.
As they “travel” across different regions, campers prepare food, learn about the tradition of fika, play games, create an art project, participate in musical activities, and explore Sweden’s connection to nature. Each activity reinforces language learning in engaging, age-appropriate ways.
Instructors blend movement, storytelling, creativity, and collaboration to create a joyful and welcoming environment. By the end of the day, children leave with new vocabulary, cultural knowledge, meaningful connections, and excitement about the wider world.

Turkish Breakfast Demo with Rana Olson
2026-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
Join Rana for an Our Shared Table demo featuring Turkish breakfast favorites! Students will sample an array of breakfast dishes over this dinnertime class while learning about food customs from Rana’s native Turkey. A light meal will cap off this demo, and students will leave ready to try preparing their own Turkish style breakfast at home.
Additional information:

This is a demonstration-style class that includes a light meal.
Coffee and tea provided; additional beverages are available for purchase prior to class.
Please note this menu contains gluten and dairy; please reach out if you have questions about dietary accommodations.
Advanced registration required.

ASI’s food programs connect people as we celebrate, learn, and share stories together through cooking workshops, demonstrations, dinners, and lectures. ASI’s Our Shared Table series highlights our neighbor’s kitchens, and how food traditions are preserved and changed through the universal experience of migration and exchange. Our Shared Table is sponsored by Sahan Journal.

Knowing Karin Larsson with Ingela Haaland
2026-08-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Welcome to a lecture on Karin Larsson, artist and designer, married to artist Carl Larsson. The lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland will cover the accomplished life and work of Karin Larsson, with a focus on her contributions to interior design and fashion.
Additional information:

This virtual slide presentation is in English; no materials required.
Advanced registration required.
