American Swedish Institute

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, 2026-08-18 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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
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.

Makers Night
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-20 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.

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
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.

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.

Intro to Floral Centerpieces Workshop with Elle Sullivan
2026-08-13 18:30 - 20:30 | American Swedish Institute
Design your own summer floral centerpiece in this beginner-friendly class! Join Elle, farmer-florist at Mellifera Flowers, to learn the technical and artistic basics of floral design, and in the process create your own unique centerpiece with local blooms from her farm and other local growers. After learning some color theory basics and design principles, students will dive into the “flower buffet,” selecting ingredients that speak to them. From snapdragons to zinnias, grasses to sunflowers, the available seasonal blooms will guide the design, with artistic encouragement and technical advice from Elle along the way. No previous floral experience is necessary—in fact, you may find a new interest sparked! With the tips and tricks offered in this workshop, students will be able to elevate your farmers’ market, backyard garden, and grocery store bouquets into unique, organic arrangements. This workshop is perfect for gardeners looking to better showcase their blooms, creatives looking for new mediums of expression, or anyone craving more play and self-expression in their life.
Additional information:

A $45 materials fee is due in class to the instructor and covers a vase, reusable floral mechanics, and an array of local flowers.
This workshop is suitable for students ages 18+.
No previous experience is necessary.
Advanced registration required.

Swedish Conversation Group: Tala SVENska med Sven
2026-08-14 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.

Stenciled Bento Bag Workshop with Kirsten Aune
2026-08-15 10:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
Dive into the art of fabric stenciling with Duluth textile artist Kirsten Aune! Taking inspiration from Kirsten’s colorful, bold patterns and modern Scandinavian designs, students will play with color and pattern as they prepare simple stencils. Kirsten will walk students step by step through using these stencils to decorate fabric for a cute and versatile bento bag, perfect for holding everything from produce to knitting projects. Once you’ve learned the basics of fabric stenciling, you’ll be ready to decorate fabric for all kinds of projects!
Additional information:

A $35 materials fee is due in class to the instructor and covers all tools and materials to make a custom stenciled bento bag.
No previous experience is needed.
Suitable for ages 18+.
Advanced registration required.

(CANCELED) Boreal Plant Walk in North Sámi and English with Dr. Áila O'Loughlin
2026-08-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Offsite
This program has been canceled.

Where do Birch and Pine trees, as well as blueberries and sweetgrass, grow? Sápmi, of course! (Yes, and Minnesota!) Many plants in the boreal region grow in both the northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula of Europe and around the Great Lakes region of North America. This Boreal Plant Walk sets out at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and takes a stroll through the woods, stopping to learn a little about each plant that grows in both regions, as well as the plant names in Northern Sámi.
Additional information:

Advanced registration required.

Starting with Slöjd: Needle Felted Magic Wands
2026-08-16 13:00 - 14:15 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Starting with Slöjd is a monthly program for early elementary students. Participants explore new tools, materials, and skills that prepare them for a lifelong love of handcraft.
Create a magical wand to incorporate into imaginative play! Elementary school art teacher, Anna Ruhland, will lead kids through shaping and decorating magical wands using the traditional technique of needle felting. Using a needle to poke colorful wool into shapes is a fun and easy handcraft for all ages.
Additional information:

These are drop-off programs. Adults may not accompany children during this program.
Suitable for students who have completed Kindergarten through 2nd grade (ages 6-8).
Photo Credit: Melissa Hansen

[SOLD OUT] Intro to Swedish Linen Workshop with Wendy Johnson
2026-08-16 13:00 - 16:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Learn about the rich, storied history of Swedish flax growing and linen processing from ancient times to today, and discover the steps involved in growing, harvesting, and processing flax fiber for making linen. Linen enthusiast Wendy Johnson has experimented with growing and processing flax locally and is here to spin tales connecting this old Swedish industry through its history with Swedish immigrants in the US to opportunities to learn from this fiber today. After a short lecture, students will have hands-on experience processing flax stalks into spinnable fibers using traditional hand tools.
Additional information:

A $30 materials fee covers all materials and tools; students will process approximately one pound of flax each and can take the finished fibers home. We suggest wearing clothes that can get a little messy and bring a pair of gardening gloves.
Physical ability: To fully participate in using the processing tools, note that students need some manual dexterity in hands and arms, however the class will still be of interest to most students even without hands on participation.
Skill level: Open to all skill levels.
Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.
Advanced registration required.

(SOLD OUT) Handcraft Camp
2026-08-17 09:00 - 15:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Handcraft Camp meets Monday, August 17–Thursday, August 20, 2026. 9 am–3 pm daily.
Get ready for a summer of creativity, culture, and hands-on fun at ASI! These engaging day camps invite curious kids to explore Swedish traditions through food, music, movement, language, and art. Each camp offers a unique experience led by educators and artists who bring learning to life. If desired, one adult per camper may use a shared space at ASI during camp hours. Campers must bring their own lunch and water bottles. Young makers ages 8–12 dive deeper into slöjd, creating with wood, textiles, and more. This multi-day camp helps kids develop new skills and creativity at a slower pace.
Registration closes on July 27 (three weeks before camp start date).

SOLD OUT Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 1 with Gregg White
2026-08-18 16:30 - 18:00 | Online
This program is sold out. Please call 612-871-4907 to be added to a waitlist.
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 18–September 8, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Swedish-language textbook for English speakers at Stockholm University is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in each chapter, and the class typically covers one or two chapters each week. Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and help them understand. This course (Section 1) covers Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11).
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 2: Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20)
View Section 3: Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 -26)

Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 2 with Gregg White
2026-08-18 18:15 - 19:45 | Online
This class meets weekly on Tuesdays from August 18–September 8, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Stockholm University’s Swedish language textbook directed toward English speakers is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in every chapter, with the class typically covering one or two chapters each week. Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and understanding. This course (Section 2) covers Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20) weekly.
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 1: Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11)
View Section 3: Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 -26)

Learn Swedish Grammar Review: Section 3 with Gregg White
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
This class meets weekly on Thursdays from August 20–September 10, 2026.

How’s your grasp of Swedish grammar? Learn Swedish is made to improve it! Cleverly hidden in this entertaining Stockholm University’s Swedish language textbook directed toward English speakers is a step-by-step review of Swedish grammar. One or two key grammatical concepts are covered in every chapter, with the class typically covering one or two chapters each week. This class (Section 3) covers Understanding advanced concepts (chapters 21 – 26). Homework exercises give students plenty of practice and understanding.
Additional information:

All course materials are distributed by instructor Gregg White.
Advanced registration required.
View Section 1: Building your grammatical foundation (chapters 1 – 11)
View Section 2: Intermediate grammar review (chapters 12 – 20)

[SOLD OUT] Nordic Table on a Stick Demo with Patrice Johnson
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please call 612-871-4907.

Two of Minnesota food writer Patrice Johnson’s favorite things are updated takes on Scandinavian favorites and the Great Minnesota Get Together, so you can bet this State Fair-themed menu is going to be a hoot! Get ready for fried delicacies on a stick in this demonstration-style class, held outside, weather permitting.
Additional information:

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

Knowing Anders Zorn with Ingela Haaland
2026-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Anders Zorn, a world-famous artist from Dalarna, left us iconic paintings that immortalize the beauty of Swedish landscapes and traditions. Did you know he also noticed that folk music was losing popularity at the turn of the last century? He therefore took action, creating the Zorn Badge to reinvigorate Swedish folk music by recognizing and awarding accomplished folk musicians. In this lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland, participants will learn more about Anders Zorn, the artist, the person, and the innovative thinker, and explore his artistic work, his home province of Dalarna, and his impact upon the folk music traditions of Sweden that flourish to this day.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

CANCELED The Right to Vote and Social Democracy with Alexander Fooy
2026-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute
This program has been canceled.

In a relatively short period between the end of the 19th century and the early-mid 20th century, Sweden went from a state of near-absolute monarchy to a widely recognized bastion of social democracy. How did that happen? From the Garden Crisis of 1914 to the clarification of the “People’s Home welfare state ideology in 1928, and the adoption of the modern Swedish constitution in 1974, this lecture by Alexander Fooy will cover the development of the modern Swedish political system and how the currents driving modern Swedish politics have their roots in these now-long-ago social trends.
Additional information:

No materials required.
Advanced registration required.

Kids at the Castle: Summer Fun
2026-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | American Swedish Institute
It’s a morning playdate at the Castle! Kids at the Castle offers action-packed mornings filled with circle time, storytelling, crafts, music, and more. Designed for adventurous young minds ages 2–5, each session explores seasonal themes. Enjoy museum admission included with the experience. Activities may take place outdoors, so families should dress for the weather, bring sun protection, and be ready for outdoor play.
Additional information:

Adults must accompany children.
Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not allowed in the historic Turnblad Mansion.
Advanced registration required.
