A Message from Brad Engdahl, ASI Board Chair

A Message from Brad Engdahl

ASI Board Chair

I became Chair of the ASI Board two years ago during the twin crises of a surging virus and civil protests against the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The Board, Staff and our members responded and continue to respond responsibly and meaningfully to these crises, consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of ASI.

With the easing of the pandemic, the ASI community has experienced and embraced Return, Resilience, Restoration and Regeneration over the past 12 months.

Return. With the return of visitors streaming through its front doors, ASI is again a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden.

Resilience. The Staff at ASI has shown a creativity, dedication, energy and passion over the past two years that resonate in every visitor entering ASI and in every limestone block of Turnblad Mansion. A glance at the Report to the Community reveals the breadth and brilliance of their efforts and the magical spirit they create is sensed as soon as you walk into these premises.

Restoration. Through the generosity of ASI’s community, the first phase of the restoration of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House commenced in April. This project will sustain and broaden ASI’s programming and ability to tell the stories of migration from Sweden and elsewhere that bring to life the idea of migration and the migration of ideas. Regeneration. ASI’s treasure, Bruce Karstadt, has announced his intention to step down as President and CEO of ASI after more than 30 years of visionary leadership. His influence is reflected in every page of this Report to the Community. Bruce has guided ASI to become an internationally respected institution that is financially healthy and known for its creative and engaging programs and exhibits. A search committee has been designated by the Board and, happily for us, Bruce will remain in his position until a successor who may someday approach his contributions is selected.

As the light of Midsommar nears, the future of ASI is bright. The environment and activities described in this Report to the Community are a testament to the strength and commitment of everyone who works, volunteers and otherwise provides support for ASI.

I celebrate and thank each of you.

Stories, Stonework & Stewardship

A Campaign to Restore the Historic Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House

Over nearly a century, through passionate stewardship and creativity, the majestic Turnblad Mansion has become the heartbeat of a wide community. It is now home to exhibitions, performances by world-class artists, musicians, chefs and authors, and the site of numerous community gatherings, weddings, and events. The Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were constructed in 1908, and have served the community for more than 112 years.

As part of Stories, Stonework & Stewardship, a multi-year capital project, ASI has begun work to ensure this historic home is preserved for future generations. Along with significant restoration work on building exteriors and interiors, the project will rehabilitate the Carriage House into an accessible, functional, and tasteful space for staff and volunteers that encourages creativity and collaboration.

The Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through community support, these unique structures have remained accessible to visitors for generations.

All of us—whether our interest is rooted in ancestry, design and architecture, arts and culture, language, craft or food, community and world affairs—are caretakers of this cherished iconic landmark and ASI’s legacy.

Together, we can continue to be stewards of our Mansion and our community. Over the last ten years, ASI and our community have together completed a series of projects to prepare this historic building for its next hundred years.

With the assistance of HGA Architects & Engineers, we have developed and launched a comprehensive plan that respects the Mansion’s historic integrity and our contemporary mission to provide accessible, beautiful public spaces for a wide range of exhibitions, programs and events. In 2013, restoration was completed on the Turnblad Mansion’s historic kitchen.

In 2015, critical repairs to the Carriage House and Mansion roofs were completed.

In 2017, the beloved Stuga was refreshed to be a more fitting gathering place for conversation, fika, and special events.

Historic Kitchen Restoration

Roof Repairs

Stuga Update

Michael Bjornberg by Sara Hughes Photography

“ASI is my touchstone place. It is imperative that places like ASI are cared for so that many other generations may enjoy moments of wonder and awe.” -Michael Bjornberg, Preservation Architect and ASI Trustee

Restoration has begun on many of the buildings’ 160+ original windows.

Damaged decorative carvings are being repaired or replaced using original techniques.

Crews can be seen cleaning stonework across the exterior of the Turnblad Mansion.

Building on a long history of shared Mansion stewardship, ASI launched the next phase of Mansion restoration and preservation through the Stories, Stonework & Stewardship Campaign.

Phase 1 of the project is well underway and includes restoration of the Mansion and Carriage House limestone façade, renovation of the Mansion’s east veranda and perimeter fence, and restoration of the buildings’ 160+ windows. Also during this phase, the interior of the Carriage House will undergo full rehabilitation, transforming the space into an accessible, modern work environment for our volunteers and staff.

Phase 2 will begin once the remaining funds are secured, and will include restoration, preservation, and rehabilitation work throughout the Turnblad Mansion’s interior.

Ways to Give and Support the Stories, Stonework & Stewardship Campaign

Just as the American Swedish Institute welcomes all into its community, we invite you to join us in supporting this campaign. The mission is clear. The need is imperative. The time is now. Learn more and contribute online at asimn.org/support/mansionproject, or call (612) 871-4907.