The Swedish American Heritage Society of West Michigan was founded to preserve, foster and perpetuate traditional customs and culture of our Swedish heritage, as well as that of other Scandinavians.
If you are of Swedish heritage, or the spouse of same… or if you simply have a sincere interest in Swedish or Scandinavian heritage, you are invited to join us!
Make a donation to SAHS!
Note: PayPal accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, money from a PayPal balance, and PayPal Credit. You can also send a check to us at 29 Pearl St. NW, Suite 127, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. SAHS is a 501(c)3 organization, so your donations are tax deductible.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
How Swede It Is! Discovering the Swedish Church Books to Find Your Swedish Ancestors
Zoom Presentation by Jill Pearson Reider
7 PM
Come and find out how easy it is to find your ancestors in Sweden using the Swedish church books. With just a little bit of information, you can easily “jump the pond” to discover their lives in Sweden through birth, marriage, death, moving, military, and estate records.
Visit the Upcoming Events page for more info and how to register.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Swedish Reading Club: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin
7 PM
To help their country, he must silence his voice—and she must find hers.
When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research—her life’s dream—and makes a dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.
As Else hears rumors of the movement’s legendary Havmand—the merman—she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.
When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.
Visit the Upcoming Events page for more info and how to join.
May 28-June 8, 2026
Celebrate 50 Years with a Journey Through Sweden!
In honor of the Swedish American Museum of Chicago’s 50th anniversary in 2026, we invite you to join fellow Swedish Americans for the trip of a lifetime: “The Swedish Odyssey – Sights and Landscapes,” a fully escorted motor coach tour. Jill Pearson Reider from SAHS will be along as one of the co-hosts.
Whether you’re tracing your roots or simply embracing your heritage, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with your past. Our genealogy team is excited to help you locate living relatives—and with a little luck, you might even meet them during your Swedish Odyssey!
Download a brochure and registration form (PDF).