Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin

Come, celebrate the traditional Scandinavian Midsommar on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Heidelberg Park by Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 West Lexington Blvd., Glendale, Wisconsin. The event is open to the public.

To celebrate Midsommar in Wisconsin, is to celebrate the longest day of the year the Swedish way! This means decoration of the Majstång (Maypole) with greens and flowers, joining in the procession of raising the decorated pole led by Goda Vänner playing “I sommarens soliga dagar” (In the sunny days of summer) on violin. Then dancing around the majstång and singing the special Swedish songs like “små grodorna” (the little frogs) and “vi äro musikanter” (we are all musicians). The Midsommar celebration includes a lot more…

• Make your own flower crown to wear.
• Enjoy traditional Swedish folk music played by the music group, Goda Vännar.
• Learn and play the game of Kubb, known as “Viking chess.”
• Have your children participate in games and crafts.
• Learn about the first Swedish settlement in Wisconsin, New Upsala.
• Learn about Swedish Genealogy, maybe research your own ancestors
• Win a basket filled with delightful Swedish items!

Bring your own lawn chairs, and join us for a FREE afternoon of fun at our Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration. If possible, bring greenery and help decorate the Majstång. Bavarian Bierhaus staff will provide a variety of food for sale, including Swedish meatballs and other Swedish items. Note: No food may be brought into the Park.

Read about the History of “Midsommar” Celebration

Harry H. Anderson, age 93, died peacefully on May 21, 2024. Harry, who is of Swedish descent, is one of the founding fathers of Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin and served as the president from 1975 to 1980 and more recently from 2004 to 2008. He has written and presented many stories related to Swedish American immigration and traditions. He is the author of Milwaukee, at the Gathering of the Waters (American Portrait Series), a pictorial and entertaining commentary on the growth and development of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Harry Anderson Obituary

Our sincere condolences go to Harry’s wife Evelyn and family.

The memory of Harry is represented by his stories of which many are available on the SAHSWI website page “Bits and Pieces of Swedish American History.”

Harry Anderson Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5th at Bayshore Lutheran Church, 1200 East Hampton Rd., Whitefish Bay, WI. 53217. Reception and visitation with family follows the service.

Memorials suggested:  
Harry Anderson Library at Milwaukee County Historical Society
Bayshore Lutheran Church