The American Scandinavian Association was founded in 1934 by a group of Scandinavians living in the Quad City area. We are an associate chapter of the American Scandinavian Foundation, headquartered in New York, and was an affiliate of the now-defunct Swedish Council of America.
The ASA aims are:
- To stimulate and promote interest in relations and culture between the U.S. and all five of the Nordic countries
- To preserve the Nordic heritage in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa
- To advance Nordic culture in the U.S. and U.S. culture in the Nordic countries
Some local annual celebrations may include:
- Yellow Pea Soup (?rtsoppa) and Swedish Pancake Supper in January or February
- V?ffeldag celebration in March
- Genealogy event in April in conjunction with the Swenson Center
- Midsommar Fest in June
- Concert by Swedish Jenny Lind vocal scholarship winner
- Kr?ftskiva (Crayfish Party) or ice cream social in August
- Lutfisk Dinner in Autumn, usually November
- Luciafest together with Augustana's Scandinavian Studies Program
- Watch Augustana's Scandinavian Studies program for their schedule.
The ASA welcomes new members. Annual membership fees are $10 per individual, $20 per family/household. Membership privileges include opportunities for participation in ASA activities and informational flyers.
Email us to request a brochure! Or mail membership payment (checks payable to "ASA") to: ASA Membership, Swenson Center, Augustana College, 639 38th St, Rock Island IL 61201-2296.
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