Vol. 36, No. 1 Spring 2017

Drink Like a

The new Skål! Scandinavian Spirits Drinking horns were most commonly those exhibition at the American Swedish of oxen, , or goats, though some have Historical Museum inspires a look back been found of and could be decorated at drinking traditions across Scandinavian with precious metal or stones. Evidence cultures over time. Some have theorized of drinking containers can be found in the that the term skål can be traced back famous Bayeux Tapestry, or embroidery, to the , one of the earliest which depicts the story of William of Scandinavian cultures. This theory Normandy (a direct descendant of Viking comes from a supposed Viking tradition migration) conquering England in 1066. in which warriors would drink from the Revelers in this artwork are imbibing from skulls of vanquished enemies. Though a both horns and communal bowls. Though fantastically gory theory, most agree that few fully intact horns have been found on the term actually originates from the word archeological digs, numerous metal “skål”, meaning bowl, which was a common stands have been uncovered suggesting vessel people would drink and share from the wide-spread use of these vessels. from Tjängvide in the at community gatherings. parish of , Gotland, Sweden. Photo: Ola Myrin, The Swedish What was in the horn? Favored drinks of History Museum. Even if the word skål doesn’t involve Vikings included mead, wine, and beer. imbibing alcohol from human skulls, the Mead is an alcoholic drink made of Vikings still did their fair share of drinking. fermented honey and can be mixed with Cups came in the form of ceremonial spices. Mead is often referred to as the drinking horns and communal bowls. continued on page 2

Connecting Cultures and Community Drink Like A Viking continued from front cover drink of the gods and can be found Note from throughout Norse, Roman, and Greek the Director culture. Heiðrún, a famous goat in Norse mythology, is said to consume leaves from I am hearing more and more buzz Læraðr, a tree in Valhalla, and fills a giant lately about DNA testing to learn about caldron with mead from her udders for fallen your ethnic background. If you are warriors who died valiantly in battle. The considering it yourself, prepare to be preferred drink of , king of the Norse surprised. For many people, they find gods, however, is wine. He is said to have out that they had always thought they loved it so much that he would forego food were Italian, but are really Polish, or they and only consume the fermented juice of thought they were Scottish, but found grapes. Since wine was not produced in out they were Irish. DNA testing has Scandinavia, it was a much desired highlighted a trend whereby immigrants commodity and was acquired through raids to the US went on record as being from or trades throughout eastern and western a country that they actually weren’t. This Europe. Because wine was so hard to leads generations of families to identify procure it became a drink of the wealthy. Woman holding a drinking vessel. . Öland, with a group to which genetically they Sweden. Photo: Gabriel Hildebrand, The Swedish History Museum. don’t belong. Beer was also central in Norse drinking culture. Knowledge of brewing was said to One professor at West Chester have been a gift from Odin to mankind. Much like today, drinking in Norse society University is using DNA tests of her Beer played a major role in Viking was a way to strengthen social relationships. students to encourage honest and open celebrations, festivals, and holidays. Toasts were made in celebration, conversations about race that start from It was considered a family duty to brew remembrance, to mark the partnerships a positive place. When students find out a strong beer for important events such of clans, to honor the deities, and at the that they have ancestry from the Middle as weddings, funerals, and religious completion of a successful voyage or battle. East or Africa that they never realized ceremonies. Beer consumption was a Passing and drinking from a shared horn or they had, this challenges their sense of way to mark the harvest, as well as the bowl fostered comradery and trust. These who is like them and who is “the other”. summer and winter solstices. If the harvest themes playout through the centuries and was small, however, beer production was raising a glass to toast or skål in celebration New information from DNA tests often limited to is just as important to modern people as it sets people on a path of self-discovery, special was to Vikings nearly a thousand years ago. wanting to find out who their ancestors occasions really are. They trove through on-line in order to To learn more about cultural drinking services that help them find preserve traditions be sure to visit the exhibit Skål! documentary evidence about previous grain for Scandinavian Spirits, on view through generations. They visit ancestral food. September. If you would like to explore homelands, giving new meaning to the Viking culture, come to Viking Day at the term heritage tourism! They even seek American Swedish Historical Museum on out places like ASHM to learn about what Saturday April 29th. Viking Day will feature it means to be Swedish when they find a 40ft reproduction of the Gokstad Viking out one of their grandparents emigrated ship, Viking weapon demonstrations, from Sweden. lectures from Viking scholars, runic crafts, and traditional game competitions of I, too, was recently suprised by a DNA test. Previously, on St. Patrick’s Day, my Hnefalafl and Kubb. Visit the website husband and children would celebrate www.americanswedish.org their Irish heritage, and I always felt a for more details. little left out. But this year, it’s my turn with to explore my inner Irish woman, since mouth mounting in silver. my sister’s DNA test turned up Irish Grave find, Björkö, Adelsö, Uppland, Sweden. background we never knew about! Photo: Christer Åhlin, The Swedish History Museum.

Tracey Beck

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the community SCA was created to serve. A Desire to Connect SCA has emerged as the community foundation for Swedish North America. Did you know that the ASHM was one of With over $1,000,000 of assets in its three Swedish-American organizations endowment, and a nearly 40 year history that founded a national organization called of supporting organizations and youth with Swedish Council of America (SCA) in grants and scholarships; of connecting 1972? In fact, the first Chairman of the affiliates and individuals with magazines, organization was Dr. Nils Y. Wessell, who books, newsletters and conferences; and was also the of the ASHM Board of awarding leaders within the Swedish of Governors. The original purpose of the American community with the recognition SCA was to bring into a cooperative Swedish Council Executive Director Gregg White they deserve, we have adopted a new relationship all groups and individuals visits Sjölunden— at Concordia Language Villages tagline that we think embodies what whose purpose is to promote knowledge precisely what we do: and understanding of the Swedish heritage in American life and to strengthen became more important. The SCA began SCA: Supporting, Connecting, Awarding the cultural ties between America and an endowment fund and grant program in Sweden. Representatives of three visionary the 1990s and continues to provide grants Want to learn more about SCA? Connect founding organizations--the ASHM, to Swedish organizations for their own on social media, subscribe to the Quarterly American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis programs and projects. As of 2017, SCA will magazine Sweden & America (only $12 for and the Pioneer Historical Society in have given grants of over 1 million dollars to ASHM members), or join them at one of Chicago—met as the SCA executive a wide range of organizations and projects. their Fall or Spring meetings held at committee in the International Terminal at The founding of two significant scholarships locations across the U.S., Canada, and O’Hare Airport. The organization grew over – also in the 1990s – one bringing Swedish sometimes Sweden! The SCA board is the years and at its peak in the 1980s, the students to America and another sending meeting in Philadelphia May 4-7. Many of council had about 300 Affiliate member American students from Swedish heritage the events for the board are open to the groups in the USA, Canada and Sweden. colleges to Sweden. Throughout its history, community. Check out the full schedule at SCA has facilitated relationships among swedishcouncil.org/meetings. The role of the organization has shifted all of the organizations in Swedish America, over the years. Early on, the emphasis was creating a collaborative working on publications (such as The Swedish environment. Heritage in America, by Allan Kastrup published in 1975) and a quarterly After assessing the needs of constituent magazine, Sweden & America. Later, organizations and listening to the goals of facilitating communications between supporters, SCA has taken on a new role, groups and supporting programming one where there is clearly a void in

Meet Our New Swedish Intern: Emma Rönn

of January, and I am very happy to say that and eventually the same fascination would the city is already starting to feel like home lead me to studies in Art History at away from home! Stockholm University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criticism, Communication and I grew up on a peninsula on Lake Mälaren Curation: Arts and Design from Central called Skokloster, a small district on the Saint Martins in London. Being passionate countryside located between Stockholm about both Scandinavian and American and Uppsala mostly known for its 17th history and culture, the move to the century palace and public American Swedish Historical Museum was Hej! My name is Emma Rönn and I am the museum Skokloster Castle. Looking back, a natural fit, and I am really looking forward (still relatively) new Marketing Assistant at I think that it is safe to say that my to the year ahead! the American Swedish Historical Museum. fascination and deep interest for the arts I packed one big suitcase and moved to was influenced at least in part by all those Philadelphia from Sweden in the beginning school trips to Skokloster Castle as a child,

Connecting Cultures and Community 3 To Register For Events call 215-389-1776, or visit online at Upcoming Events and Registration Info www.americanswedish.org/calendar.htm

There is always something going on at the Skål! Scandinavian Spirits Viking Day American Swedish Historical Museum. Guided Exhibit Tours & Saturday, April 29 See below for scheduled events. Please Tastings 12 pm - 4 pm 1:00-2:00pm Visitors can view a 40-foot, check with the Museum to confirm dates Have you ever sampled half-size working model of and other details. Refunds will not be aquavit? Whether you the Gokstad ship, learn the granted for cancellations after the are new to Scandinavian runic alphabet, compete in a Hnefeltafle or registration deadline. To register for spirits or an aficionado, join us for an Viking Chess competition, watch a events by phone call (215) 389-1776. Online exclusive guided tour of the Skål! Scandinavian weapons demonstration, and attend expert Spirits exhibition at the American Swedish lectures to learn more about this often registration is available through links in Historical Museum. Each tour will explore the misunderstood culture. Admission: $8 for the museum’s email announcements or on history of Scandinavian spirits and the role members, $12 for non-members, $6 for the Events Calendar page of our website, those beverages play in the heritage of children (5 - 17), and children under 5 are free. www.americanswedish.org/calendar.htm. Scandinavian America. Learn how to properly Register online or pay at the door. skål, or cheers, at the end of the tour with Monthly Programs an Aquavit tasting. Pre-registration required Spring Ting Fundraiser Toddler Time and tour spots are limited. $8 members and Dinner and Auction 10:30 am - 11:30 am $18 non-members (must be 21 or over to Saturday, May 6 The third Tuesday of attend tasting). To register please visit 6 pm each month ASHM offers www.americanswedish.org. Save the date for our annual fundraiser dinner and auction. A fun and exciting evening specially designed Saturday March 11th is guaranteed, with hors d’oeuvres and dinner programs to introduce Sunday April 16th provided by Jeffrey Miller Catering, and silent Swedish culture through Saturday May 20th auction and remarks from a special guest. art, science, and literature in fun and Sunday June 18th Tickets start at $95, RSVP by April 24th. Call creative ways to children ages 18 months to Sunday July 9th or check our website for more information. 4 years old. The cost is $5 per child or free Saturday August 12th for museum Household Members. There is September 9th no charge for accompanying caregivers. National Day Tuesday, June 6 Register by phone or online. Waffle Day 12 pm - 4 pm Saturday, March 25 Tuesday March 21 The 90th Anniversary 11 am - 2 pm Using Your Senses in the Museum celebration continues at Each March in honor of the ASHM on Swedish Tuesday April 18 Annunciation Day (Maria National Day! Visit on June 6th and enjoy free Pippi Goes to the Circus! Bebådelsedagen), Swedes admission including guided tours highlighting Tuesday May 16 eat waffles. Intrigued by this tradition? Stop the history of the museum, Swedish themed Spring on a Swedish Farm by the museum for Waffle Day to get the whole children’s crafts, and a special Swedish story, along with some tasty Swedish waffles, Tuesday June 20 summer dessert treat. served with whipped cream and strawberry Row Your Boat jam, and of course coffee. $8 for members, Midsommarfest $12 non-members, admission included, Saturday, June 24 register online, by phone, or pay at the door. 4 pm - 7 pm Celebrate summer at our Easter Family Fun Day annual MidsomCelebrate and Egg Hunt summer at our annual Sunday, April 9 Midsommarfest, complete with food, drinks, 2 pm - 4 pm home-made Swedish pastries, music and Introduce your little ones to maypole dancing, as well as crafts and games Swedish Easter traditions. for the kids. Members $8, Non-members $12, Children can make Swedish Easter crafts, Children 5 - 11 $6. Pay at the door. dress up as Swedish Easter witches, enjoy face painting, and an egg hunt. Free for members and children 2 years and under, $10 for non-members. Pay at the door.

4 Spring 2017 | Vol. 36, No. 1

t At Julbord, the members q This year we had a full Images from of Midsommarklubben did house of tomtar in our a fantastic job preparing all Lucia performances! Recent Events the yummy food, as always! Photos by ASHM Staff and Carly Abbot Photography

u There is always a very special atmosphere at the Museum when the lights are dimmed and children sing during our traditional Lucia performances.

q Folk Fashion Show: In November 2016, we got to learn about Scandinavian folk dresses as the Auxiliary hosted their annual meeting and folk fashion show.

t The 16th Annual New Sweden History Conference, titled “The Delaware River: A Colonial Highway”, took place at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington, DE, and examined the nature of the river and the central role it played in the lives u Kathy Meade of ArkivDigital gave a really of the Lenape, Dutch, interesting presentation Swedes, and English at the Genealogy Club during the 17th century. meeting in January.

t During Toddler Time in November 2016, children got to explore cooking and baking.

u The gentlemen of the Pea Soup Committee also did a fantastic job preparing the food for the evening!

5 Do you want to make a contribution? There are several easy ways to support us. Contributions Visit our web page americanswedish.org/support or call 215-389-1776 for more information. to the Collection Renee & Paul Nusbaumer Eddie Talerman & Dyan Simon Jessica Stanforth James & Cynthea Traverso July-October 2016 The Sulaiman Family Fanny Warren The museum is grateful to the Oldenburg Thulin-Guzejko Family family for the donation of more of Sigelle’s Linnea Tideman & Family Bronze art, including 37 prints, 123 cards, Clarissa & Seye Todd-Adekanye Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Anderson Molly & Nathan Tower-Hicks Helene Y. Basile & Family 6 needlework pieces, and several mixed Amy & Harry Verngren Alison Bennett media pieces. Margaretha Talerman Johanna & Lawrence Wagner Margaret Churchville generously gave a vase from Gustavsberg Aubrey Wagner & Andrew Blackman Keith & Hilma Cooper Argenta, dated from the 1960s, as well as Dr. & Mrs. Paul Engstrom Individual a bud vase designed Vicke Lindstrand for Jan & Lillemor Essunger Cindy Erickson Kosta, from 1950-1960. Margaret M. Friel Robin Holmer Ulla M. Heinicke David Stone Thomas F. & Mary Ann Hudson The library collection also received Ann-Charlotte Westerberg Catherine & Fredrik Khayati Lindestrom and books by Amandus Johnson Karin Kornaga Seniors/Students from Julian Richter, Official Catalogue of Barbro & Ernst Larsson Robert A Johnson Sandra Lazo the New Sweden historical exhibition in Cheryl Beadle Marple Dr. & Mrs. Mark Martz 1938 from Karen Coughlin, and Sveriges Connor Duffy Mrs. Lila McCleary Susan Conway forsta storhetstid by Birger Nerman Jeffrey Miller Alfred Meyer from Linda Dyke. Katherine Monday-Schievenin Anna Lagercrantz Bengt & Connie Nestell Tina LeCoff Carl I. Oberg Ann Marie Corradetti Edith & Albert Rohrman New Members Karen Hoepfinger October 16, 2016-January 31, 2017 Kjerstin & Dominic Sama Rudy & Jean Soderlund Life Annual Giving Karin & David Svahn Kristina & John Antoniades and Contributions Mr. & Mrs. John H. Swope October 16, 2016-January 31, 2017 Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Johnette Davies-Turner Organizational Lorraine & Richard Waldron Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library The Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers Kristina & John Antoniades Radnor Memorial Library Ragnhild & Bo Bergqvist Friend Mr. Paul Muther and Dr. Ulla Dagert-Muther William Howard Anderson Household John & Carin Foster Sven H. E. Borei Hans Peter Andersen Dr. & Mrs. V. Eugene McCoy Walter Carlson Helena Anzaldo The PEW Charitable Trusts Employee Matching Susan Durand Christina Binder Gifts Frank Embon Cory & Christopher Brader-Leuchten Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Pfaff Chris & Karen Erikson Caroline Brady Margaretha Talerman Mary & Owen Gilman The Brown-Soderberg Family Barbara E. Good Michaela & Ben Byrnes-Miller Christina Hagman Nancy & Richard Cox Ken & Kerstin Cook Lisa & Bill Hoffman Steven & Andrea Davis Margaret Copeland Elisabeth Hohman Sara & James Delisi-Close Gordon & Jane Downing Sylvia Holteen Julia Dent & Matthew Bocchese Marna Feldt Margaretha Joelsson Alexandra & Joel Eisman Kristina & Charles Kalb Mr. & Mrs. Sigurd S. Johnson Sagheer & Andrew Faiz-Chalmers Kristina &John O’Doherty C.R. Karlsson Anne Flink Hope Rosenlund Ms. Mary Kinsey Loretta Gazzara James & Sophia Walker Maj-Britt & Robert Lautman Amy & Ross Haavik-McKinnon The Hummel Family John Lundin Silver Cristianes & Joel Jorgenson Ulla-Britta & Jerry McCarthy The Koerner Family Robert & Marilyn Asplundh Ms. Karen A. McKillip Carolyn LeComte & Jon Hopely Elisabeth & Wayne Brown Nancy & Eric Miller Gustav Lundquist Samuel & Janet Heed Rosemary & Jeffrey Moller Peter McCauley Mrs. Marshall A. Mundheim Mary Anne Carlson Morgan Sarah Naval Ellen T. Rye Dr. Jan Newstrom Thompson Abby Shaw Alfred J. Nicolosi Inger & Andy Stone Palmer 6 WinterSpring 2012-13 2017 || Vol.Vol. 30,36, No.No. 41

Membership Application & Renewal Form Name(s) Please print all information as you wish it to appear on the membership roster. Address Return this form to: American Swedish Historical Museum City State Zip Attn: Membership 1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145-5901 Telephone Email

Among the benefits of membership are: o $35: Senior/Student o $75: Organizational (Non-profit only) o $500: Patron • free admission to the Museum and library $50: Individual $125: Friend $1,000: Key Contributor • use of the ASHM Swedish Film Library o o o $65: Household $250: Sustaining $2,500: Life borrowing system o o o • guest passes Make check payable to ASHM or o Charge my: VISA | MasterCard | Discover • subscription to the newsletter • discounted subscription rate to Account # Sweden & America magazine • 10% discount in the Museum Store Exp Date • discounts on admission to most events, workshops and Swedish language classes The official registration and financial information of ASHM my be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department . of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. For more information, Your membership contribution to the American Swedish Historical Museum is tax deductible to the please call 215-389-1776 extent allowed by law.

! Please detach here and return.

Mr. Herbert R. Rambo Elisabeth & Wayne Brown Karen Reeds Morris & Birgitta Davis Looking Forward to Annika Saracini Roberta Fischer David O. Segermark Lindsay & Michael Forgash Spring Ting 2017 John & Susan Soffronoff Elizabeth H. Forrest Patricia Spampinato John & Carin Foster We are in the midst of planning this Robert & Marlene Stocks Stella S. Gabuzda John Tepe J. Robert & Sally Herd year’s Spring Ting fundraiser dinner and Margaret L. Young Morton Howard auction, which is happening on May 6, 2017. Inger M. Zeller Delmar & Irene Karlen We are currently seeking donations for John & Edwina Kerr both the online and silent auction. In Memoriam D.P. Kingsley III Popular items include gift certificates, Karin Kornaga The ASHM lost a very special member in memberships and tickets to local arts, the last few months. We send our deepest Nelly K Lincoln culture and sports events, wine and spirits, condolences to his friends and family. John & Joy MacMurray David Maroney home decor, hostess gifts, and jewelry. Ulf Hammarskjöld Robert McAlaine Items may be dropped off or mailed to Bill Wilson Midsommarklubben the museum, to the attention of the Virginia S Millar Spring Ting Auction. Please try to get Gifts in Memory of Ulf Hammarskjöld Nancy & Eric Miller any donated items to us by April 1st. Birgitta Ingvarson James & Judith Mitchell Bengt & Connie Nestell Kristina & John O’Doherty Maud Palmer Maud Palmer Thinking of attending Spring Ting? Birgitta Wilson Ann & Wayne Parker Look for the invitation to arrive in late Louise H. Shafer March, or feel free to sign up through Peter & Janet Silcox Gifts in Memory of Bill Wilson our website. We hope you will join us! Francis & Frances Abbott Mr. & Mrs. John H. Swope Graham & Jean Andrews Margaretha Talerman Kristina & John Antoniades William Vogel Weezie & Charlie Baker William & Kay Wood Görel Bengtzon & Roman Hrycushko Jane Young Ragnhild & Bo Bergqvist Judy & Harvey Zalesne James & Karen Borzillo Connecting Cultures and Community 7 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1900 Pattison Ave. Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.1776 Permit No. 1350 www.americanswedish.org

americanswedish @americanswedish

Connecting Cultures and Community

After attempting to match the current glass Shining a New Light: John Ericsson in the light and not finding anything exact, Propeller Light Conservation Project we were able to purchase the last sheets of the same type of glass from the original After several years of work, and some manufacturer, Bendheim Glass in Passaic, trial and error with various materials New Jersey, and ended up replacing all of and techniques, the beautiful propeller the glass in the fixture. The original pieces lighting fixture in the center of the John have been archived in the museum’s Ericsson Gallery is finally complete. The collection. The museum’s longtime room’s designer, Martin Hedmark, created electrician, William Hornung, also worked this one-of-a-kind, art deco fixture in 1931. extensively to help us update the sockets It is in homage to John Ericsson’s and bulbs. development of the marine screw propeller in the 1860s. After many decades, several We are grateful to the various contractors pieces of the glass had broken, and the who worked on this project over the course base of the fixture was missing after years of almost four years, and to the Barbro of having to change out the bulbs. The Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and the original design did not make this an easy individuals whose gifts helped to process, so the fixture had gotten quite support the completion of this much a bit of wear and tear. As part this The project began back in 2013, when our needed conservation. If you haven’t been project, LED lights replaced the original curator first contacted Conservator Linda to the museum yet this year, please stop by incandescents for longer use. Lennon to help us determine the scope of and check out this amazing piece. It looks what needed to be done. More recently, truly remarkable, with original details that we worked with an artist, James Harmon, had not been visible for years due to poor to help us complete the glass replacement bulb placement and accumulated dust. and the repositioning of the LED bulbs to John Ericsson would, no doubt, be proud! better light the propeller blades.

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