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Free Traveling Guides » States » Minnesota » Minneapolis - Saint Paul
American Swedish Institute
The American Swedish Institute, a research organization, educational center, and museum, is located in the Phillips West region of Minneapolis. The organization is committed to the study and protection of the historic role Swedish-Americans and Sweden have played in US culture and history. Its runs many programs and clubs, out of which Svea Club, the Turnblad Mansion Museum and Swedish language-teaching society are the main attractions. The museum runs special events and features exhibitions.
The American Swedish Institute is situated inside a mansion that was constructed for Swedish immigrants Christina and Swan Turnblad. They settled in this country, in a Swedish community with their relatives, in 1968. Later on, they moved to Minneapolis and worked for a Swedish newspaper office as type setters. As Swan was interested in publishing, his hard work paid off for him and after ten years he became the sole owner of a Swedish newspaper agency. Within a very short period of time, his newspaper became extremely popular due to good management.
In the early 1900s, the Turnblads had their splendid estate built. The architecture and interior depicts much European influence. The building took five long years to be completed. Today the building is open to the public. One can clearly feel the Turnblads' passion to build this house.
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