Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth

Bringing Swedish Traditions to Duluth

The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth was organized in 1934 by the late Carl Silfverten. In October, 2014, we celebrated 80 years of our existence with a dinner and program at the Kitchi Gammi Club.  Our mission and goals are:  To support and promote efforts to sustain the Swedish language and culture; To promote Swedish culture through education and information activities; and to offer an annual scholarship to the Swedish language camp (Sjölunden) in Bemidji, MN. We have a regular monthly meeting on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth in February, March, April, May, September, October, and November. There is always a program with an invited speaker/presenter that features some aspect of Scandinavian life and culture, singing of Swedish songs and a coffee hour for social interactions between our members and visitors. In June, there is a Midsommar Fest(Midsummer Celebration) usually held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd that involves traditional Midsommar activities:  Making of flower crowns with wild flowers, painting of dalahästar (Dalarna horses), musical entertainment, decorating and dancing around the majstång(Midsommar pole), and of course, coffee and “something to go with it." In December, we sponsor a Sankta Lucia Celebration at the Holiday Inn featuring approximately 20 children who portray Lucia, the Maids of Light, Starlightsand Jultomte (Christmas elves) as well as a substantial brunch and choral music by the Svenska Sångarna(Swedish Singers).