'Coming to America'

The level of Swedish immigration to this beautiful area of Connecticut will surprise you for sure. 

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  Awarded director Jan Troell's movies about Swedish emigration will be shown at the museum, on September 23 and September 30.

• The exhibit "Coming to America: Washington's Swedish Immigrants" recently opened at Gunn Museum in Washington, CT in beautiful Litchfield county. Many visitors will be surprised at the level of Swedish immigration to the area and the surroundings offer a perfect setting for a weekend day excursion.
  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.
  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 stores.

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  A well equipped kitchen of olden days, hardly common among the first immigrants.

• The exhibit, open until January 12, 2014, is accompanied by a multitude of lectures, presentations, movies and discussion groups throughout fall and winter. For more info, see www.gunnlibrary.org/museum.html or call 860-868-7756