To schedule a program, call 612.870.3374 or e-mail ninac [at] americanswedishinst [dot] org
Youth Tours Bring your group for a tour of the 100 year old Turnblad Mansion, the only year-round historic house museum in Minneapolis. It features the permanent immigration exhibition, “Swedish Life in the Twin Cities,” as well as changing exhibits featuring history, arts and culture. Choose from tour options below.
Youth Tour Only 30-60 minutes Each student 3 to 21 years of age - $4 Children 2 and under - free One adult chaperone per 10 students (required) - free Each additional adult - $5 Group size Min/Max: 10/80
Mansion Tour - grade K to college/university Learn about the Turnblad family and see their former home from top to bottom. Learn about Swedish immigration, Minneapolis history and the art and architecture of the mansion. Tours are adapted according to your group’s age and interests.
Stone, Tile,Wood and Wool - grades K to 6 The American Swedish Institute is filled with handcrafted detail rarely found in houses built today. As you explore the rooms, view and handle items up close made from carved wood, cast plaster, tile, glass, stone and wool.
School Programs Are you looking for a presentation for your classroom, school assembly, cultural fair, or scout get-together? These engaging presentations connect participants with universal stories about migration, culture and traditions. Staff and expert volunteers will present programs to your group on one of the topics listed below. We will happily tailor these programs as requested to age, group size and thematic expectations. All programs are appropriate for all ages, pre-K to college level.
Youth Tour + School Program 1-2 hours Each student 3 to 21 years of age - $6 Children 2 and under - free One adult chaperone per 5 students (required) – free Each additional adult - $5 Group size Min/Max: 10/80
Swedish Immigrant Trunk Participants handle century-old objects to consider cultural difference and change over time. The artifacts in our 1860’s Swedish immigrant trunk serve as tools for teaching about immigration and the importance of preserving the history and traditions of all cultures.
A Year of Swedish Traditions Why do Swedes hop like frogs around the maypole? How do Swedish families celebrate Santa Lucia? Why do we leave rice pudding for tomte, the Christmas elf? Our Swedish holiday basket is full of objects showing how Swedes celebrate a year of traditions.
Christmastime in Sweden “Jul” or Christmas is the most important time of the year for many Swedes, filled with special smörgåsbord foods, Sankta Lucia celebrations, and a visit from tomte, Sweden’s version of Santa. We’ll take you from Advent to the last plundering of the Christmas tree! Dramatic Presentations Youth and adults alike will enjoy an entertaining look at Swedish immigration or traditions, presented at your school, community center or as part of your visit to the American Swedish Institute.
Dramatic Presentation 30-45 minutes (Groups of 30 or fewer can opt to add 15 minutes of discussion after the presentation at no additional charge) 1 presentation - $250 2 presentations* - $400 3 presentations* - $530 4 presentations* - $625 * pricing for multiple presentations based on same-day visit Group size: any
Delia’s Decision - all ages It’s 1912, and Delia Nilsson faces a difficult decision: should she immigrate to Minnesota or stay in Sweden? What do your students think? Students are drawn in through age-appropriate interaction and role-playing, period games and songs and historical documents.
Sigrid’s Saga - grade 8 to adult Sigrid Kronblad was a real young woman who came to Minneapolis with her mother and two sisters in 1907 in search of her father. Sigrid takes the audience through arriving at Ellis Island, traveling to Minnesota, and making a home in the “new land.”
Swedish Folk Tales - all ages What happens when three billy goats gruff encounter an ugly troll on their way to dinner? How did vargen (the wolf) trick björnen (the bear) into losing his tail? Students love hearing Swedish language integrated into classic tales through animated and engaging storytelling techniques.
