Vol. 39, No. 3 Summer/ Fall 2020

Courtesy of the Walt Disney Family Foundation. From Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf Tenggren

During times of uncertainty and upheaval, celebrate Tenggren’s art in America and his it can be comforting to revisit familiar life, coinciding with the 100th anniversary favorites such as childhood movies and of his arrival in New York City and the 50th literature. Despite the events of the past year since his death. six months, ASHM’s exhibitions have proceeded without major disruptions Born in 1896 near Gothenburg, Sweden, it and will soon provide an opportunity for was clear from a young age that Tenggren families to practice social distancing while would become an artist, after apprenticing celebrating art beloved by generations of with his grandfather who was a traditional children. kurbits-style painter and carpenter. He continued to be influenced by Scandinavian From Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf painting throughout his career. Tenggren Tenggren highlights the most recognizable immigrated to the United States in 1920 Swedish-American artist of all time. While with his first wife and settled in Cleveland, the artist’s name might be unfamiliar, you Ohio. Tenggren’s tenacity and adaptable will doubtless recognize Gustaf Tenggren’s artistic style quickly found him a foothold Illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren; from THE POKY LITTLE PUPPY paintings and illustrations of memorable in commercial illustration. By the time by Janette Sebring Lowrey, copyright © 1942, renewed 1970 characters such as Disney’s Snow White that Tenggren moved to New York City, by Penguin Random House LLC. The Poky Little Puppy is a trademark of Penguin Random House LLC. Used by permission and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Bambi or his successes in Cleveland meant he was of Golden Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, the Little Golden Books’ Poky Little Puppy already a formidable name in commercial a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. and Mother Goose. This article and exhibit art.

Connecting Cultures and Community continued on page 2 From Fairy Tale to Fantasy continued from front cover Note from Tenggren’s “big-break” in America came in the Director 1934, when talent scouts for Walt Disney hired Tenggren to work on the animated As our country continues to grapple film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Walt with deep and far reaching questions Disney, fresh from a six-week trip through about our history and its impact on the present, I am inspired by the life and Europe, hoped to capture the eeriness work of Fredrika Bremer. Bremer was and enchantment of European fairy-tale influential in beginning the modern traditions such as those popularized by women’s movement to Sweden in the the Brothers Grimm. Tenggren, having mid-1800s. Over the last few years I illustrated Danish versions of the Brothers’ have been reading her 3-volume work, Grimm fairy tales and Swedish fairy tales for The Homes of the New World, and have the book Among Gnomes and Trolls, was the come to “know” her with new depth perfect artist to bring Disney’s vision to life. and nuance. While his contributions to Snow White were

minimal, he created the core artistic vision Bremer was a person both before and of her time. It is clear that while her stated for the film’s marketing and background goal in coming to the United States was scenery, especially Snow White’s cottage. to be a listener and an observer, she came with her own framework of beliefs. Tenggren had greater impact on his next What I find truly admirable about her Disney projects; Fantasia, Bambi, The is that she was an active listener. She Old Mill, and Pinocchio all highlighted his sought out people who represented Swedish upbringing - and the influence of opposing sides of an issue and engaged his grandfather. This is especially evident Illustrations from THE LION’S PAW by Jane Werner Watson and them in conversation. Bremer applied in the workshop of the puppet-maker, Gustaf Tenggren, copyright © 1959, 1960, renewed 1987, 1988 her mind and heart to understand what by Random House, Inc.. Used by permission of Golden Books, an Geppetto, which was modeled after his they were saying and then she acted. imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. For Fredrika Bremer, converting her grandfather’s workshop. After creating thoughts and beliefs to action meant elaborate concept sketches for Bambi— that she wrote books. She was an even traveling to northern California to paint light. The early environmentalist movement author and she knew that writing was forest scenes (in situ)—Tenggren chose of the 1960s inspired his dreary, pessimistic her platform of influence. And she not to renew his contract with Walt Disney. works in this period. But he also worked used it. Tenggren—always the lone wolf—disliked on cheery fairy tales and works inspired

the collaborative nature of work within by history in order to provide a continuing Fredrika Bremer was not a perfect Walt Disney Studios. Tenggren’s preference source of income for Mollie after his death. person. As she put into words her for solo work is evident in the fact that he encounters with a wide variety of In 1970, after a diagnosis with brain cancer, was one of very few artists at Disney who Americans her personal assumptions Tenggren passed away. are clear to the reader. Even while being insisted on signing their art. a vocal abolitionist, she often described This exhibition is among the most black people in a way we would After his break with Disney, Tenggren comprehensive presentations of Tenggren’s consider racist today. She documented worked for Little Golden Books between art in North America. While reminding the passion with which Americans, 1942 and 1962, illustrating children’s books visitors of Tenggren’s contributions to especially politicians, held opposing still in print today. Already well-known at the animation and children’s literature, this points of view. By writing about these time of his hiring, Tenggren had the honor show also underlines the subtle, pervasive experiences, she spread knowledge of his illustrated books that carried his influences of Swedish folk art in Tenggren’s of American social and political name. These inexpensive books with bright, movements all over the world. work. As a show designed to connect older adorable animal characters such as “The generations with younger ones through the As I think about Bremer in the context Tenggren Mother Goose” or “The Tenggren America’s most beloved characters, you of the current debate surrounding Poky Little Puppy” were instant best-sellers. and your family will not want to miss it. historic monuments and the Black Lives Series printed in runs of 600,000 and more Matter movement, I am inspired to be immediately sold out, cementing Tenggren’s From Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf a good listener. To seek out people who name and style in American children’s Tenggren opens on Sunday, September hold a different opinion than I do, and literature. 20th with tours of the exhibit between 12pm to actively listen to their perspectives. and 4pm. Culture is always changing. History is By the last decade of his life, Tenggren had always being made. What part will you become increasingly moody and reclusive. This exhibition was curated by Lars Emanuelsson and organized play in the process? He and his wife, Mollie, retired to their cabin by Millesgården. It is made possible at ASHM by a grant from the Davenport Family Foundation. in Maine among their collection of Swedish antiques. Having worked on both dark, We are grateful for additional support from the ASHM Auxiliary, Grimm-esque fairy tales of Walt Disney and Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Midsommarklubben, and an anonymous foundation. Support provided by the Philadelphia the cute animal characters of Little Golden Cultural Fund. Funding for the American Swedish Historical Mu- Books, Tenggren’s last projects similarly seum is supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, a state agency funded by the Common- Tracey Beck jumped between themes of darkness and wealth of Pennsylvania.

2 Summer/Fall 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 3

more heavily involved with the group phonetically in order to sing the traditional Amandus Johnson after her retirement from Strawbridge’s songs. He now leads the singing at Julbord Department Store and later became the and Lucia Fest! His other favorite volunteer Award Treasurer in 2011. activity is working with Dawn Gould, the current Auxiliary President, to prepare food The couple’s interest in ASHM stemmed for events --which is truly a labor of love. from their cultural heritage. Linda’s grandparents emigrated from Sweden to Linda and Ken Alexy have volunteered the United States in 1929. Ken originally hundreds of hours over 45 years at ASHM. wanted to be involved because ASHM was When asked what they love most about the such a welcoming organization, not knowing Museum, they agreed that the community he had Scandinavian roots. It wasn’t until of people are outstanding and value the taking an ancestry DNA test he discovered lifelong friendships and connections they he has 7% Finnish heritage. have made. They feel a strong sense of The American Swedish Historical Museum comradery with members and visitors, and is proud to present this year’s Amandus While they each have their favorite activities said that every time they walk through the Johnson Service Award to Linda and Ken at ASHM, they most often support the doors of ASHM it feels like home. They are Alexy. The couple first became involved with organization during Museum special proud to be part of an organization that has the Museum in 1975. Originally members events. Linda especially loves organizing a strong educational mission and ties to of the Oscars Borg Vasa Lodge #172, Linda and running the Auxiliary’s Deli station at regional and Philadelphia history. first heard about ASHM from longtime Lucia Fest. With her extensive background members Lillian Jones and Linda Smith. in retail, she has expanded the offerings Please join us on September 13th at the Upon getting to know the organization, and found new vendors. Ken found joy Annual Meeting to honor Linda and Ken Linda joined the Auxiliary and soon asked participating in the Swedish Museum Alexy for their years of dedication and if Ken could also participate, and he was Singers, and though he is not a Swedish service! welcomed with open arms. Linda became speaker, he became familiar with language

Participating from Home: Virtual Education for Families

The past few months have completely Sweden Today! Meet Me at the Museum changed how ASHM is interacting with Through new online platforms we have also ASHM is proud to be a community partner students and families. Though we have reached older audiences with our Sweden alongside diverse cultural institutions and recently reopened our doors for visitors Today program. This program is geared the School District of Philadelphia Office much of our programming will continue in for high school and college students and of Early Childhood Education in a city-wide virtual formats for the foreseeable future. explores Sweden’s government, geography, preschool Meet Me at the Museum initiative. Here is a look at how we have taken our political systems, pop culture influences This collaboration makes museums programs online. and environmental initiatives. This summer accessible to families with young children we presented this program during Bodine in a fun and educational way. This year we Summer Library Outreach Program High School’s International Day, in which presented our art program to families with For years ASHM has been partnering with the students learn about different countries an interactive online video chat. We read the libraries across DE, PA, and NJ to provide around the world and to a Scandinavian book Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh, sang programming in line with the Summer Studies Class at Northeastern University in songs about mixing color, and practiced Reading Theme. This year was no different Boston, MA. color mixing with water color paintings. as our Education Assistant, Rachel, The families also learned the Swedish developed the program Virtual Scandinavian Toddler Time color words and received coupons for free Storytelling: Gnomes, Trolls, & Giants Oh This fun and engaging program is based on a admission to come visit the museum! My! Conducted through Zoom this hour- monthly theme and usually includes a story long program explored Scandinavian time, gallery walk, and hands-on activities. folktales and Norse mythology. Children For our virtual version we have been got to act out the stories of Knos the Giant uploading videos and activities to our social and Stone Soup and discover the use of media and website for families to participate oral story telling by writing their own Viking at home. We have taken families on virtual Saga. Lastly, they used their imaginations to field trips; in May we visited Swedish sheep at create their own characters inspired by the Tamarack Farm and in July we were dockside illustrations of John Bauer. Over 20 libraries at the Kalmar Nyckle in Wilmington, DE. We and 100 families participated in our virtual have found that ASHM has been able to reach program! even more families, with over 300 views on each of our Virtual Toddler Times since April. Look out for our upcoming theme Crayfish Party on August 18th! 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 Last Chance Tour with Trevor Exhibit Opening: From Fairy Tale To Fantasy: American Swedish Historical Museum. See Wednesday, September 2 The Art of Gustaf Tenggren below for scheduled events. Please be aware 5:15 pm, 6:15 pm & 7:15 pm Sunday, September 20 that City and State regulations have altered As you’ll read later in this newsletter, Trevor is 12:00 pm -4:00 pm rules around gatherings. In order to be in full headed to Chicago at the end of September. Join us for the opening of From Fairy Tale to compliance and ensure the best possible Because the last few months at ASHM have been Fantasy! ASHM is hosting original sketches and experience, we are asking event attendees unprecedented and we were unable to offer paintings of Snow White, Pinocchio, the Poky Little to please register early. If your plans change frequent tours. Trevor is leading three tour Puppy, and many more! Independent curator, Lars and you cannot attend, notify the Museum. groups through the permanent galleries, before Emanuelsson, will be lecturing virtually at 3:00 pm. Refunds for cancellations may be granted his departure. Take this chance to say goodbye! 15-minute tours will be schedule on a first-come up until the event to accommodate for Tickets are $15 per person; register on our basis all afternoon! unexpected illness or inability to attend. website. Please check with the Museum to confirm Book Fair and Family Fun Day dates and other details. Carl Otto Lindberg Exhibit Opening Sunday, October 11 Saturday, October 3rd 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm To register for events by phone call (215) 389- 5:30 pm To celebrate our newest exhibition highlighting 1776. Online registration is available through Zoom Event Swedish illustrator Gustav Tenggren, ASHM is the Events Calendar page of our website, Join ASHM virtually for the opening of Around the hosting a book fair and family fun day! Tenggren www.americanswedish.org/events World: The Global Curiosities of Carl Otto Lindberg! is known for his work on early Disney films and (*Please note that in-person gatherings are This exhibit presents the exotic collection of a illustration of several Little Golden books including subject to change based on Philadelphia Swedish-American who sailed around the globe The Pokey Little Puppy. Families are invited to and Pennsylvania COVID-19 regulations. in the early 1900s, opening mines and developing attend a book fair and participate in a day of fun Face coverings and physical distancing are American strategic resources. Curatorial intern, activities. This is a free event that will take place required.) Olivia Armandroff, will give a virtual talk of the outside in the tent with plenty of space for physical exhibit. Attendance is free; register to receive the distance. MONTHLY PROGRAMS: Zoom link. Virtual Toddler Time New Sweden History Conference: The third Tuesday of each month Annual Meeting Home on the Delaware ASHM offers specially designed Sunday, September 13 Virtual Panel Discussion virtual programs to introduce 3:00 pm Saturday, October 31st Swedish culture through art, ASHM members are welcome to join us for our 1:00 pm -2:00 pm science, and literature in fun and creative ways to annual meeting, where the Amandus Johnson The New Sweden History Conference (NSHC) children ages 18 months to 4 years old. Programs Volunteer Service Award will be presented to explores the history of the New Sweden Colony are free and will be posted to the ASHM Facebook Linda and Ken Alexy! Be sure to attend and (1638-1655) and its legacy in colonial America. This page with accompanying activities on the ASHM hear all about the important work ASHM has year the conference will be held virtually via Zoom. website. Be sure to also check our website for the accomplished over the last year. Please save Registrants will receive a link to view each speaker’s most up to date program information. the date and watch the e-letter and website presentation. Participants may then submit any to find out if the event will be in person and/or questions they may have for the presenters which Tuesday August 18: Crayfish Party! online. will be answered at a live panel discussion online on Tuesday September 15: The Shapes Around Us Saturday Oct. 31st.

Tuesday October 20: Treasure Collecting This year’s theme is Home on the Delaware which invites explores the vernacular architecture Tuesday November 17: Fairytales & Folklore of New Sweden, New Netherland, proprietary Tuesday December 15: Warm Holiday Traditions Pennsylvania, and neighboring ethnic and cultural groups on the Delaware River prior to 1767. While New Sweden’s political influence in this area was Virtual Swedish Language Classes short-lived, its early trading posts, mills, and farms were the foundations for cities familiar to us today Learning a new language is a fun and exciting challenge. Our new Virtual Swedish Language program such as Wilmington (Fort Christina), Chester, New gives people the flexibility to learn from their living room! Whether you are brand new to Swedish, have Castle, and parts of west Philadelphia.To register some experience and want to learn more, or you are looking for conversation partners, there is a class please visit www.americanswedish.org/events. option tailored to your level. To register, please visit our web site https://www.americanswedish.org/ Registration is $35 for members and $45 for non- education/adult. Not sure which class is the best fit for you? Check out the website registration page members. to ascertain your skill level. All sessions are taught by Carina Ahren. Books are not included in the Save the Date for our annual registration fee. Space is limited so be sure to register early! Lucia Fest Events! Friday, December 4 Fall 2020 Semester: $180 for ASHM Members/$235 for Non-members Saturday, December 5 Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 Semesters: $340 for ASHM Members/$450 for Please keep these dates available Non-members. and check back with ASHM for Meet-and-Greet: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 pm -2:00 pm more information about the event as we continue to Conversation: Mondays, September 14 - November 16, 5:00 pm -6:30 pm plan a safe holiday celebration. Intermediate Part I: Mondays, September 14 - November 16, 7:00 pm -8:30 pm

Beginner Part I: Tuesdays, September 15 - November 17, 7:00pm -8:30 pm

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Images from Recent Events Photographs by ASHM Staff

p One of the courses during the Nordic Tasting p Dries Molkens, chef at the Danish Embassy Menu Dinner including a and Frida Johansson, chef at the Swedish poached egg, potatoes, Embassy with Tracey at the Nordic Tasting mushrooms, and goat Menu Dinner. cheese.

t Our first virtual program in April introduced participants to the Kalmar Nyckle exhibit Tall Ship Time Machine.

q Staff at the Museum celebrating a socially distanced Midsommar. p Abby Shaw and John Solether at the Nordic Tasting Menu Dinner in February.

t As we opened our doors for the public again on July 3rd, Board Chair Fanny Warren was our first visitor.

u Gorel Bengtzon and Roman Hrycushko came early to Midsommar to decorate the Maypole

t Board meeting on Zoom!

Connecting Cultures and Community 5 ASHM Board of Governors Candidates for 2020-2023

The ASHM Nominating Committee presents translator. As a member of ASHM he is happy Monica Kruse is a Human Resources the following candidates for three-year terms to reconnect with Scandinavian traditions and professional with 28 years of experience in on the Board of Governors beginning in commune with those who know the difference HR and management consulting. She has September of 2020. between lefse and lutefisk. He and his family live held roles with Pfizer, Wyeth, IBM, and PwC in Wenonah, New Jersey. in Philadelphia and New York City. As a youth, TO SERVE a 1st TERM: Monica spent several years living in Stockholm Mary E. Wagner is the Managing Partner of Ånna-Lena Bromberg grew up in where she attended schools, and still has Investment Representatives at Valley Creek Västergötland, Sweden, and immigrated to the close family there. Monica serves on several Advisors. With over 25 years of experience in US in 1969. She first worked as a nurse then non-profit boards in her community. She the banking, financial planning and investment founded The Abud Family Foundation for the served as President and Vice President on field, she has extensive knowledge in asset Arts in Lawrenceville, NJ. She was formerly on the Swarthmore Recreation Association, is management, investments, insurance and the Board of Directors, Bucks County Housing a Trustee and Secretary for the Swarthmore retirement plans. Mary has been a multi- Group – a non-profit agency providing Centennial Foundation, and as a current year attendee of the Barron’s top Financial temporary housing to local homeless families, member of the ASHM board she serves on the Advisors and the Women’s Financial Advisors and served as Board President. She is also Nominating and Strategic Planning Committees summits. Mary earned a Bachelor’s of Arts a member SWEA, Philadelphia chapter, and co-chaired the Spring Ting Committee. degree with a major in Political Science and currently co-chairing the Events and Program She currently lives in Swarthmore, PA, with her Journalism with graduate work in Business committee and is also involved in many art husband. Their two daughters, who participated Administration. She has attended University projects, and festivals in Bucks County having in the Lucia program for many years are both of Cincinnati, Georgetown University, Ohio been a board member of ACCBC (Arts 7 now university students. University, American University, Ursinus College Cultural council of Bucks County). She has and St Joseph’s University. Today Mary provides Thomas Nilsson grew up in Skillingaryd in been a member of ASHM for many years, and retirement and investment planning for owners Sweden. Before he attended university he both daughters – and now one grandson - and employees of companies in the Philadelphia tried out a number of occupations ranging were involved with the Lucia celebrations. area including the healthcare, technology and from working with jet molding plastic, sausage Jorgen Flood grew up in Oslo, Norway. He engineering sectors. Mary prides herself on factory worker, liquor store associate, spent a year in the Norwegian Army before providing exceptional financial advice with bartender and medic in the army. He graduated receiving his BA from Oslo Institute of integrity and superior ethics. from the University of Jönköping and Penn Business Administration and masters at the State University, with degrees in elementary Ulf Åkerblom was born in Linköping, Sweden University of Wisconsin. After international education. After graduating he started his and raised in Stockholm. Ulf is a graduate assignments as a business executive for a teaching career. In June of 2016 he arrived in in economics and business administration Norwegian industrial group, he moved to the United States with his wife Melissa and their from the University of Stockholm. In 2005 he Philadelphia in 1997 with his wife and two daughter Tova. In January of 2017, he started moved to Philadelphia to run the subsidiary of a children. In 2001 he started his own business, as a volunteer tour guide for the Skål exhibit Swedish medical device company. He became as a partner for Scandinavian companies at the ASHM and became a member. Thomas a US citizen in 2009. Ulf is now retired and lives trying to get a foothold in the US market. currently serves on the Strategic Planning in Bryn Mawr, PA, with his wife Susan. Their son He has served as a Board member of the Committee. In 2018 Thomas moved back to Charlie belongs to the class of 2020 at the US Swedish-American and the Norwegian- Sweden with his family and is currently working Naval Academy. Ulf is the Honorary Consul of American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia as a teacher at the local Montessori school. Sweden in Pennsylvania. He is the founder and Chapter (SACC and NACC). In 2013 he owner of Accent Ventures. Prior to moving to the James R. Roebuck, Jr. is a senior member, assisted West Chester University as a “Norway U.S. he had more than 30 years of experience in Pennsylvania House of Representatives. exchange program advisor.” Since High school business as an executive and entrepreneur. Representative Roebuck has a BA in History he has also written about Scandinavian history from Virginia Union University and an MA and has published 15 books, 14 of them in TO SERVE a 2nd TERM: and PhD from the University of Virginia. He is English. He is a Board member of Sons of Bill Eaton representing West Chester’s Rotary Chairman of the House Education Committee Norway and LEVS (Leif Ericsson Viking Ship). Club, while at Colgate University, he spent a and serves on the board of the Pennsylvania He has held numerous presentations about semester at Oulu University in northern Finland. Higher Education Assistance Agency. He aspects of Scandinavian history in Sons of After college, he received a Fulbright Fellowship has served as Chair of the Pennsylvania Norway, The Danish Brotherhood, ASHM, to research international trade at Helsinki Legislative Black Caucus and on the Executive Scanfest (2019) Brandywine Valley Writers University, and Helsinki School of Business. Committee of the National Black Caucus Group, and miscellaneous freestanding Returning to the US, he earned degrees from of State Legislators. Before being elected groups. Johns Hopkins, SAIS, and Wharton. He began his in 1985 to represent Philadelphia’s 188th independent consulting career in Washington, Matthew Lund was raised in northern Legislative District, he was on the faculty of DC and has advised extensively start-ups, Minnesota, and has his roots in the Norwegian Drexel University and was Legislative Assistant Finnish firms active in the US market, and small American community there. Matthew to the Mayor of Philadelphia. He has served businesses on new market entry. Some years received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at on the board of civic organizations, including ago, he returned to West Chester. Eaton serves the University of Minnesota, and had a career Annenberg Center, Boy Scouts of America, on the board of the Finnish American Society of as an engineer before getting his Ph.D. in Child Crisis Treatment Center, Community the Delaware Valley. Bill has served on ASHM’s Philosophy at University of Illinois at Chicago. College of Philadelphia, NAACP, Garden Court Finance Committee and chairs the Nominating He moved to South Jersey in 2004 to take a and Spruce Hill Community Associations, as Committee. position at Rowan University, and is currently well as his school, college and graduate alumni an Associate Professor of Philosophy there. He associations. Jim serves on the Strategic has written three books and is also a German Planning Committee.

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Henry & Deborah Belusa Contributions Vasa Per & Angela Blomquist Kristina & John Antoniades Elisabeth & Wayne Brown Thank you to all of our generous members Bo Bergqvist Keith & Hilma Cooper and donors who have continued to support Sylvia E. Davenport David & Catharina Copeland us during these challenging times. Just as Gordon & Jane Downing Michael & Jill D’Andrea Roy & Donna Johnson William Eaton the pandemic shut our doors it was time Julie Jurash Jan & Lillemor Essunger for our Annual Giving Appeal and we were Mary McCoy Pfizer Foundation overwhelmed by the support that we received. Erik & Nicole Muther Thomas F. & Mary Ann Hudson Mrs. Sandra Pfaff Kathi Keefe An anonymous donor offered to match up to SWEA Philadelphia Fredrik & Catherine Khayati $20,000 raised during the appeal from April James & Sophia Walker Karin Kornaga thru June and we are grateful to everyone who Fanny Warren John Lundin Mary Anne Carlson Morgan helped us exceed this goal by giving a total of Gold Mary Fischer Nassib $37,000! Our members and donors are the Biddle & Co. Jere & Birgitta Paddack Countess Clarissa Bonde heart of our museum community and it is your Mary Anne Powell Mr. Leonard Busby Christian Roden & Norman Lawrence generosity that allows us to maintain a center Ken & Kerstin Cook Kjerstin & Dominic Sama for Swedish and Scandinavian history and Margaret Copeland Kristina H. Smith Ms. Marna Fedlt culture in the Philadelphia region. Rudy & Jean Soderlund McFarland Family Foundation Patricia Spampinto NRG Energy Inc. Shirley Stengel New Members Kristina & John O’Doherty, Theresa Stuhlman March 1- June 30, 2020 in memory of their cousins Lennart Bengtsson, Amy & Harry Verngren Bertil Bengtsson, and Doris Johnson Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams & Ms. Ruth Nelson Rizzi Life Members Margot & James Patterson Eunice Winters Jens & Alison Clausen Roberta Petusky Fanny Warren Abby Shaw Friends Ellen T. Rye Anonymous Sustainer Margaretha Talerman Len & Flo Beck Ted Davis Lorraine & Richard Waldron Susan Durand Barbara E. Good Household Silver The Gould Family Maria Sturm Anonymous Elisabeth Hohman Marianne Baeckstrom The Holstead Family Individual Bill & Tracey Beck Evelyn Johnson & Chandra Stokes Faith Miller Gorel Bengtzon & Roman Hrycushko C. R. Karlsson Beth Crandell Gregory Brown & Linton Stables Monica & Lakota Kruse Jorgen Flood Alice Christensen Roger & Jennifer Mansson Christina Hagman Marlin R. Mattson M.D. Senior/Student Gudmund Iverson Marjorie Miller Joan Harvey Kristina & Charles Kalb Rosemary & Jeffery Moller Karen A. McKillip Mr. & Mrs. Ingrid O’Connor In Memoriam Earl & Sylvia Seppala Maud Palmer Carolyn Peterson Bronze Linda T. Raffa & James O’Riordan The ASHM community lost some very special Anonymous (2) Edith Rohrman members in the last few months. Carina Ahren & Robert Weir Diane Sanvik We send our condolences to their friends and family. Linda & Kenneth Alexy David O. Segermark Christer & Patty Baeckstrom Wayne Brown Ann-Charlotte Storer Helene Y. Basile & Family Anne Marie Lindeborg Ralph A. Swanson Alison Bennett Anna-Mari Martz John Tepe Jeane Milliken Marge Thorell

Annual Giving and Some new reasons to be generous! Contributions Now is the time to consider increasing your contribution to ASHM by changing your March 1- June 30, 2020 membership level. Effective as of July 1st this year we have expanded our donor level membership benefits. Serafimer Anonymous Auxiliary Friends $125 – Now get a one-time 25% off coupon to the gift shop, good for one year. The Decorative Arts Trust Sustaining $250 – Now receive a free individual gift membership. To share ASHM John & Carin Foster The Carl M. Lindberg Family Foundation membership with your family and friends or donate to charity. Midsommarklubben Patron $500 – Now get a half price facility rental. Restrictions apply*. Osher Foundation Philadelphia Cultural Fund Rosenlund Foundation Want to take advantage of these new benefits? Call 215-389-1776 or email [email protected] and upgrade today!

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

A Fond Farewell From Trevor

Cliches can be effective, clear, and mutually- Changes have also rippled out to touch my understandable ways to communicate position in ways that I am just beginning complicated emotions. But, since I often roll to recognize—watching our collection my eyes at cliches, I won’t start this letter become more refined and professionally with one. Well, not really. managed, increased communication across departments, and overseeing big projects They say that you don’t know the “good that will advance our standing among days” until they are over. I strongly disagree. cultural peers. For the past three years, I have known every day that I am living some of the best days of To grow with these changes, it is with deep my career. ASHM has been my perfect job— gratitude and mixed-emotions that I will the material culture of immigration has be leaving ASHM in October to pursue my fascinated me, the museum is near where doctorate at the University of Chicago. It I grew up, and the museum’s intimate size has taken a special opportunity to draw encourages a close work family. me away from ASHM, but the university’s renowned art history program and the Best of all, working at ASHM has allowed me opportunity to work within their school to watch small changes blossom into larger of business will provide me with the ones, touching everyone and everything background for senior levels of leadership at the museum. It has been a privilege to in urban museums. ASHM will always watch Tracey painting our vision for ASHM’s have a special place within my heart, 100th anniversary while juggling dozens and I anticipate visiting often to continue of projects, Lauren growing into her role watching the changes blossom. as a cultural leader, and Frank taking on enormous facilities projects while liaising with Jeffrey Miller Catering.

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