Coming to America: Washington's Swedish Immigrants

This exhibition shares the little-known story of Swedish immigration to our small New England town. Known for their superior agricultural skills, 1.3 million Swedes emigrated to America during the 19th and 20th centuries, escaping conscription, famine, and poverty. Washington, Connecticut became one of their new homes, where many found employment as laborers and servants on local farms and estates owned by wealthy New Yorkers. Beginning in 1870, over one hundred Swedish families settled in town and built two churches across the street from each other. One, the Salem Covenant Church, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Swedes made up 22% of Washington's population in 1910, and many of their descendants still reside in town today.

Artistic director Chris Zaima, designer Sandy Booth, and artist Keith Templeton, along with a team of other volunteers and staff, have created a visual masterpiece. Local history will come alive as visitors step back in time and explore the lives of Washington's Swedish immigrants and their role in the community. Fascinating artifacts and photographs are on display from the Museum's collection, on loan from descendants, as well as local dealers Dawn Hill Antiques and Eleish Van Breems Antiques. The exhibit and associated programs (see below) are funded in part by a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation, and will be on display until January 12, 2014.

The Gunn Memorial Museum is located at 5 Wykeham Road in Washington, Connecticut, at the corner of Route 47 and Wykeham Road on Washington Green. Admission to the Museum and its programs is free. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. For more information call 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org