Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia

A nonprofit organization

29% complete

$10,000 Goal

Gammelgården Museum of Scandia aims to create a welcoming, inviting space for all visitors to learn more about art, culture, history, the environment, and immigration (historical and contemporary). The museum offers programs that are responsive to the wants and needs of youth and adults in our community including: Educational field trips and tours; major community events; classes and workshops; displays of historical artifacts; art exhibits; and informal music gatherings.

With only eight open-air museums throughout Minnesota, Gammelgården Museum is the only one of this type in Washington County. Focusing on history, art, culture, and agricultural, Gammelgården is the singular open-air museum devoted to preserving, presenting, and promoting Swedish immigrant heritage in the United States.

The museum’s historic buildings have been carefully preserved and restored so visitors can get a glimpse of the daily lives of early settlers and artifacts from the 1850s-1880s. The majority of visitors – especially children – often have no concept about the purpose of some of the artifacts. So, within just 140-175 years, the knowledge about these items has – for the most part - disappeared. Without continuing to tell the story about the lives of immigrants and early settlers, and the items they used in their daily lives, the story essentially ends.

Gammelgården fills that gap by providing educational programs and hands-on activities, especially at two of its major cultural events (Midsommardagen and Spelmansstämman) to bring these artifacts and everyday happenings alive so history remains integrated into contemporary daily life. These events are free to the public to ensure that they are accessible and there are no financial barriers to participation.

Gammelgården’s walk-in tours are held eight times per weekend (Fridays through Sundays) from May 1 through October 15. In addition, pre-booked or group tours are held at other times during the week, and field trips with tours are held in May-June and September.-October Gammelgården works with local schools and homeschool groups to ensure that children can tour the historic buildings at no cost.

Most of Gammelgården’s classes, workshops, and major events focus on the visual and performing arts. Although Gammelgården’s major art and cultural events are inspired by Sweden and Swedish culture, the classes and workshops have a broader focus of looking at handicrafts, art, and creative expression that were done in the mid- to late-19th century. Having this focal point provides youth and adults with contemporary art opportunities that honor historical perspectives, introducing them to skills and creative expression that was representative of the mid- to late-1800s.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, Gammelgården depends greatly on gifts from individuals and organizations to achieve its mission.

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Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia

Tax id (EIN)

87-3906763

Categories

Arts & Culture Environment Children & Family

Address

PO BOX 62
SCANDIA, MN 55073

Phone

651-433-5053

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