Collections

The American Swedish Institute and its members are entrusted with the care of the historic Turnblad Mansion and our library, archives and collections, which represent Swedish art and culture and reflect the historic and ongoing experiences of Swedish Americans. These collections serve scholars and lifelong learners seeking information about Sweden, Swedish culture and Swedish Americans. Collections support and inform the work of ASI staff, volunteers, members and associated clubs and organizations. In 1971, the iconic Mansion was the first in Minneapolis to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Turnblad Mansion Stewardship

In 2020, ASI applied for a series of grants from the Minnesota Historical Society in support of projects related to the Turnblad Mansion’s ongoing preservation. The first grant will allow ASI to launch a two-year project to repair the Mansion’s east-facing veranda. One of the most frequently used areas of the Mansion’s exterior, the veranda was temporarily stabilized in the summer of 2020 following the discovery that weathering and corrosion had led to structural damage. The second grant will allow for an analysis of the Visby Window in 2021 to determine its condition, inform the replacement of the window’s exterior protective shield, and guide any future restoration activities. In tandem with our partners at HGA Architects and Engineers, ASI continued to monitor a number of problem areas within the historic Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House, and move forward with plans for restoring the buildings in their entirety and ensure their continued use by the community for generations to come.

“This is an underrated gem in the twin cities. The woodworking and architectural features on display are mind blowing. Make time to go here - you won’t regret it.” — Matt Huntington

Objects and illustrations from A to Zåäö: Playing with History at the American Swedish Institute

ASI Collections Acquisitions

ASI’s collection continues to grow and develop to include items expressing the best of contemporary Swedish culture, material artifacts and artwork that represent the historic and ongoing experiences of Swedish Americans.

• 17,355 items in the library collection • 7,371 pieces in the material collection • 3,700 users on the collection website • 240 archival collections • 67 reference inquiries • 10 research visits (5 conducted virtually) • 22 acquisitions in FY 2020 (2 library, 8 archives, 12 material)

Donation proposals have remained steady, with acquisition highlights that include: • The sculpture Ambivalence II by Paul Granlund, donated in memory of Dorothy Delegard • Oral history interviews of first- and secondgeneration Swedish immigrants who settled in Minnesota • Photos from the collection of William Hakala, a former director of ASI The biggest impact to the work of the collection has been modifying activities due to COVID-19. ASI closed its doors on March 16, 2020, requiring all staff to work remotely until further notice. Collection staff returned to the office in August 2020.

Institute for Museum and Library Services Project

Over the past year, the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant helped process the museum’s institutional collections. IMLS staff inventoried materials and updated series and subseries information before beginning archival processing. Processing included cataloging as well as the creation of finding aids and applying preservation where needed. ASI is proud that the IMLS project has stayed on track to completion during the COVID-19 pandemic.