Visit us online at www.gammelgardenmuseum.org

Volume 34, Number 1
Established 1972 by
Elim Lutheran
Church to Preserve,
Present, and Promote
Swedish Immigrant
Heritage
Tack så mycket to
our new members:
Jane Acherbach
Mel & Tricia Agen
ReeceAlmendinger
Westen Anderson
Kristen Arden
Carol Bjorklund
Paul Bratager
Erik Carlson
Louella Cramer
Terry & Bonnie Hagstrom
Anne Heller
Mary Hooley
Barbara Johnson
Robert & Linda Lindholm
Carl & Sue Nordgren
Ruth Olson
James Olund
Mike & Lorraine
Parenteau
Sarah Porubcansky
Glenn & Rebecca Taibl
Nancy Thorson
Monica Westerlund
Thank you to our
Corporate
Sponsors:
Air Mechanical Inc.
Gustavus II Adolphus
Society
New Sponsor: Scandia
Farmer’s Market
Inside This Issue:
 Art-I-Facts
 Lines from Lynne
 Children’s Page
 2014 Board Recap
Scandia, Minnesota
Winter 2015
Harriet Field-Johnson,
Treasure of Gammelgården Museum,
Retires After 27 Years of Dedicated Service!
Welcoming, caring, dedicated, thoughtful, loyal, detail
oriented, tidy, organized and Norwegian! Since her coming to
Gammelgården, Harriet has been the stable, smiling, welcoming
face in the gift shop of this museum. When she first started
her work here, the “Scandia Butik” gift shop was housed in a work shed building
roughly 12’x12’ called “Work Shed Gifts”.
There was no running water,
heating, restrooms, insulation or flooring but we had shelves, a phone, a cash
register, a wood burning stove, energy, most importantly: GUESTS and big DREAMS.
Gammelgården Museum was open only on weekends from May through October.
Having previously run a successful gift and music shop, Harriet knew how to grow
the business of what was to become the Scandia Butik and how vital this source of
revenue was for the longevity of Gammelgården Museum.
New programs were added (American Girl Kirsten Tours, Tour Groups with
Luncheon, Spelmansstämma, Lucia Dagen, Midsommar, Comin’ to Amerika, School
Field Trips, Annie’s Coffee Parties and more! The Shop’s inventory expanded as did
the number of volunteer clerks. In the mid-1990’s, dreams turned to talk and talk
turned to planning the addition of a Visitor Center which would include a greatly
expanded gift shop, exhibit space, restrooms (!) and classroom space. Our current
Välkommen Hus with beautiful new Scandia Butik Gift Shop was realized. Harriet
was a significant partner in the conception and realization of this important piece of
our museum’s history. Dedication Day was Midsommar Dag—2002 and was the
culmination of 8 years of planning and fund raising. As we grew into the new space
of the Välkommen Hus, many changes occurred in Harriet’s work life … open 7 days
a week meant a larger volunteer staff to recruit and manage, MUCH larger inventory
for the Butik with the addition of a Jul Shop in November/December, more classes
and special events … and there was Harriet: smiling, welcoming, caring, organizing
and lovin’ it all!
Harriet was also an integral part of the formation of the Washington County
History Network—a consortium of the History Museums in this county that work
together to promote each other. This group meets 4
times a year and have developed strong relationships,
promoting the development of these valuable
Washington County Resources.
Tusen Tack Harriet for all the ways you have added
to the growth and reputation of Gammelgården
Museum and the Scandia Butik!
Visit us online at www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
Lines from Lynne
Before the age of machinery and technology, spare time was spent doing handwork...especially for the
women! The handwork was done with needle (sewing, embroidery, pulled thread, etc.) a hook (crocheting,
net darning, punch work, etc.) or shuttle (weaving, tatting, etc.) While producing a useful item, this also
became a creative process too. The Folkdrakt embodied many of the handwork skills and helped keep the
traditions alive. Much value was placed on the skills of handwork and sometimes led to a vocation and/or
earning extra money. Often the tools had a social connotation or role also. Consider the making and gifting
of a mangel or wheckting knives as betrothal gifts.
Men used some of these tools also for their handwork: weaving fish traps, nets and baskets; repairing
harnesses; making shoes and boots. The list goes on.
Producing the basic materials of wool and linen cloth also should be considered handwork as it entailed
much skill and many hours of time as it was done by hand!
This year, Gammelgården Museum will honor these skills and traditions. Our 2015 Museum Focus
showcases ways these time-honored skills and crafts of handwork are now the basic building blocks for new
uses, interpretations and inspirations of handwork. They are being “played forward” and continuing! The
Passage Room Display will run May 1 through October 31 during regular museum hours. Classes and
demonstrations will be offered all summer long. Continue to check our website for new offerings throughout
the season.
And by the way , if YOU know of a skilled teacher or demonstrator, please share this information with me!
The Historic Buildings will also honor these traditions as the tools and examples of Handwork will be
integrated and highlighted into the artifacts of each building.
If you belong to a craft group, consider coming for a meal, discover the Swedish roots of Needle, Hook &
Shuttle and take a tour of these Historic Buildings. Perhaps even arrange to spark your inspiration with a
crafting meeting in a lovely historic setting.
This year is the first year honoring handwork. The theme is so vast that we will continue next year with
handwork done with blade and hammer. Please come see, enjoy, learn and participate! I look forward to
greeting you.
Art-I-Facts 2015
Spinning Wheels: Flax & Wool
An “Amerika Trunk” packed for the long journey toward a better
life in a new country, often contained very similar items. Most
trunks were packed with a Bible, the metal heads of farm tools,
simple kitchen implements, clothing, seeds, sewing supplies; all
the tools necessary to set up a new home in a new land. A
common item was the family spinning wheel. Pictured here are
two different types of spinning wheels that came from Sweden in
an Amerika Trunk. They both completely break down to pack flat in the bottom of the
trunk. The item on the left, usually housed in our Immigrant Hus, is used in the spinning
of flax fibers into linen thread. This makes a coarser cloth used by immigrants for sturdy work and
everyday clothing. The spinning wheel pictured on the right is housed in our Stuga and is used to spin wool
into yarn. The wool thread or yarn was then woven into cloth or knit into socks, mittens and scarves. Every
immigrant home had a spinning wheel in the corner that was put to use any time there was a spare
moment. Imagine having to fill your family’s clothing and bath/bed linen needs from the beginning to the
end of the process: from thread to garment. One of our museum’s Spinning Wheels was used by
Ingrid Bergman in 1942-43 in a WPO film showing our common roots. Mrs. Abe Johnson of Scandia was
Ms. Bergman’s spinning teacher!
Searching for an Intern for the 2015 Season!
With the success of last year’s intern program, we are in the midst of our search for a college intern for the
2015 season. This person will bring their own unique skill set, talent and energy to our museum and it is
exciting to imagine the possibilities. Our goal is to provide a college student studying Swedish Language,
history, communications, Scandinavian studies, or (as yet unimagined) field of study that would like first
hand experience in many aspects of museum site management.
Any inquiries can be sent to
Lynne Blomstrand Moratzka in care of Gammelgården Museum: 9885 202 St. N; Forest Lake, MN 55025. You
may also email your resume and a letter explaining your interest, skills and goals to our museum’s email at:
[email protected].
Kevin’s Korner—2014 in Review from the Board of Directors
-Board President Kevin Nickelson
Gammelgården Museum had another good year. Our annual festivals were well attended, especially Lucia
Dagen on December 14th when we were blessed with mild temperatures. The GammelKyrkan was packed for
both worship services. Also we had good attendance at many of the activities that are provided for
children, such as “Comin’ to Amerika” and “Little Green Frog Day Camp”. Some of our community outreach
was again in the form of participating at Taco DAZE and hosting Scandia’s Farmer’s Market plus the
VinterFest held in February.
The Museum Board initiated two ‘firsts’ this year:
1. A new Corporate membership category. We are grateful to our Corporate Sponsors: Air Mechanical Inc,
Gustavus III Adolphus Society and our newest sponsor, Scandia Farmer’s Market.
2. Hiring an Intern Staff Member for the Summer/Fall Season. An internship was offered to students of
history and we were lucky to get a person of local origins, Reece Almendinger. His enthusiasm added
new life to the museum all summer and he was a terrific tour guide, too.
Our charter Butik Manager, Harriet Johnson, retired at the end of this year. Her good cheer, tireless
dedication and super ability will be missed. Thank you, Harriet—You are the best!
The job of preserving our old buildings is an on-going process. Barn restoration was completed by adding
life-sized farm animals to the stalls in the lower level and grading to improve drainage away from the barn in
order to keep the basement level dry. Logs in the walls of the Präst Hus are deteriorating and will soon need
attention.
Below are two charts which outline our income sources and expenses for 2014. The Board and Staff both
are diligent in using our funds prudently to promote our mission of “Preserving, Presenting and Promoting
Swedish Immigrant Heritage”. We continue to rely on dedicated volunteers to help operate, maintain, and
promote Gammelgården Museum. Without them, the museum would be impossible. We are all grateful for
those who cheerfully help and to those who offer whatever they can in order to honor our immigrant
mothers and fathers.
2015 Schedule of Events
Swedish Language Classes
Spring Classes: Mondays, April 13 - May 18 (6 weeks)
Beginning class at 5-6; Intermediate class at 6-7; Advanced class at 7-8
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 651-433-5053
Cost for Spring Session $60.00 includes materials
Opening Weekend – Swedish Hand Work: Needle, Hook and Shuttle
Friday – Sunday May 1, 2, 3
2015 Exhibition featuring Swedish Hand Work and the Immigrant Life
May 2 at 4:00 -Spring Supper, Songs & Stories featuring Ross Sutter and Stina Fagertun.
$20.00 per person FREE to Lifetime Members! Reservations are required: 651-433-5053.
May 3—Director’s Tour: FREE for Life/Heritage Members or $15.00 admission (room for 50)
Swedish Hand Work: Needle, Hook and Shuttle
May 2 through October
2015 Exhibition featuring Swedish Hand Work and the Immigrant Life
Worship in the GammelKyrkan Resumes with Holy Communion
Sunday May 24 through August 30
Worship at 8:00 a.m. each summer Sunday in the oldest Lutheran church in Minnesota
Immigrant for a Day – 4th Annual Museum of Minnesota May Event
Sunday May 24
1:00 to 4:00pm
Learn about life as an Immigrant with activities in all of our historic buildings!
Free event for families.
Scandia Farmer’s Market Opens on Gammelgården Museum’s Front Yard! 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Wednesdays beginning June 18 through mid-October. Museum Open until 7:00pm!
Midsommar Dag
Saturday June 20
Historic Buildings and Arts and Crafts Fair open at 10:00
Gazebo Food Sales begin at 10:30
Smörgåsbord at Elim Church opens at 11:00: Cost $12.00 adult/ $8.00 child
Children’s Activities 11:30 to 12:30
Raising of the Majstång followed by program and entertainers 1:00
More information: 651-433-5053
Bluegrass and Lemonade in the Shade
Fourth Sunday of the Month – June 28 through September 27:
Hours: 2:00 to 4:00
Come on back for the fifth summer of pickin’, plunkin’, harmonizin’ and enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon with pick-up
Bluegrass music. Come to play or enjoy in the shaded back yard of Gammelgården Museum in Scandia. Free lemonade
for all ... no charge for playin’ or listenin’ . Free. A great event for families.
Lek Stuga – Children’s Story Time
Wednesday Mornings July 8 through August 13 10:30-12:00
Story time with crafts, songs and of course, stories. More information under Children’s Programs.
Free. A great event for families.
Boots, Bites and Brews—Barn Dance FUNdraiser
July 18 2015
“Duck for the Oyster” leads Square & Line Dancing.
2015 Schedule of Events
Comin' to Amerika Day Camp for Children
One Session Only in 2015! July 21 & 23
This popular 2 day camp gives elementary students the opportunity to experience immigration and a new life in Amerika.
Cost: $35/ Reservations are required. Downloadable reservation form under Children’s Programs.
Small Green Frog -Små Grodorna Day Camp for Children
Session 1: July 30 & 31 or Session 2: August 10 & 11
Fun in the sun 2-day STEM day camps in Scandia! More information under Children’s Programs on our website.
Cost: $60/ Reservations are required.
25th Year Celebration: Spelmansstämma – The Immigrant Fiddle Fest
Saturday, August 15
Celebrating the Immigrant Fiddle with musical entertainment, dancing and Food!
Scandia TACO DAZE
4th Annual Running of the Meatballs fundraiser before 3:00 Parade
September 12
Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties
September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12
Annie, Gammelgården’s longest resident, is the inspiration behind our Swedish 3-course Coffee Party.
Sept & Oct includes Tour of historic buildings; Nov & Dec includes History/Swedish Jul Program.
10:00am. and 2pm Cost: $15/person
Reservations/Deposit are required and can be made by calling 651-433-5053
Girls & Dolls Tea Party
September 19 (10:00am) & 20 (1:00pm); October 17 (10:00am) & 18 (1:00pm)
For girls and dolls age 6 to 96 – a fancy tea party with stories, games, dances, crafts and music!
November 21, (10:00am) 22(1:00pm) December 19 (10:00am) 20(1:00pm)
For girls and dolls 6 to 96 – a fancy tea party with stories, games, dances, crafts and music all about the legend of Lucia
Reservations/Deposit required. $20.00 each. Call 651-433-5053 for information. Bring your Doll!
Swedish Language Classes
Fall Classes: Mondays, Sept 14—Nov 16 (10 weeks)
Beginning class at 5-6; Intermediate class at 6-7; Advanced class at 7-8
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 651-433-3792
Cost: Fall Session $80.00 includes materials
Swedish Sausage (Korv) Making
Saturday, Sunday November 7 & 8
Two recipes of Swedish KORV will be made and taken home.
Class held at Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia – up the hill from the museum.
Cost $25.00/person, includes lunch Reservations/Deposit after October 1. 651-433-5053
Lutfisk and Meatball Dinner
Thursday, November 19
Served at Elim Lutheran Church
Serving times: 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 and 5:30
$18/ person. Advance tickets available October 1st at Scandia Butik or 651-433-5053
Be sure to stop in the Butik at our annual sale with 15% discount on ALL items.
Lucia Dagen 2015
Sunday, December 13 (Actual Lucia Day!)
$12/ adults $5.00/children under 12
Gammelgården continues this beloved Swedish Jul Tradition!
Candlelight Swedish prayer service in the Gammel Krykan: 6:00 am and 8:30 am.
Jul Fest Breakfast & Svenskarnas Dag Choir Lucia Program: 7:00 am and 9:00 am. Tickets available at the door.
Especially for Youth
Comin’ to Amerika Day Camp
Continues to excite and inspire!
One Session Only in 2015! July 21 & 23
Comin’ to Amerika, our most
popular day camp, still continues
to ignite the imagination of our
campers each year. Each summer
is a whole new adventure. For
2015, there will be one session
only. Check our webpage for more
information about Comin’ to
Amerika or for registration under
Children’s Programs:
Comin to
Amerika.
Little Green Frog
Day Camp
Little Green Frog Day Camp,
inspired from the beloved
Swedish song Små Grodorna, is
our newest day camp and we
are excited to offer another
FUN opportunity for you to
join us in the backyard! This
camp features a STEM combination of nature, science and
history. Information on this
camp is also listed on our
website under Children’s
Programs.
Become a GG
Guide!
Are you going into 7th grade
or older and love history… or
farms …. Or children? Our
GG Associate Tour Guide program is for YOU!
Gammelgården Museum is very fortunate to have
a group of dedicated young people who volunteer
at our museum in a variety of ways each summer.
YOU can be a part of this wonderful group! They
give tours of the historic buildings, lead
children’s activities, help with special events and
ride on our float during the local parades.
Contact Julie Erickson or Kathy Bakke through
our website at this link for more information:
www.gammelgardenmuseum.org/junior.shtm
Immigrant for a Day—May 24 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Immigrant for a Day the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend (May 24) will focus on Swedish Handwork this
year with lots of brand new demonstrations, games, activities and FUN. Immigrant for a Day is a family
focused event to encourage exploration of the daily life of an immigrant family making a life in Minnesota in
the mid-1800’s. You will want to tour all of our historic buildings which will be open to the public on his
day. This is an event celebrating our wealth of Museums in Minnesota.
Gammelgården Museum
Name(s):
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Supporter $35.00
$45.00
Tidskrift; 10% discount at Scandia Butik; Free guided tours of
museum
Sponsor
$70.00
$90.00
Above PLUS 2 free smörgåsbord tickets per year for Midsommar
Century
$100.00
$140.00
Above PLUS 2 additional free smörgåsbord tickets per year for
Midsommar (4 total per household per year)
Life
$750.00
$1000.00
Above PLUS annual dated Gammelgården memento; annual
director’s tour and lunch; and 1 time per year free guided tour
for each member’s guest.
Mail with payment to: Joan Detzler, Memberships, 20621 Olinda Trail N, Marine, MN 55047
 I am interested in making an estate gift. Please contact me at this phone number:_______________________
Give the Gift of History!
Gammelgården Memberships
Holiday, Anniversary, Birthday, Special Occasion Presents.
Gammelgården Museum Membership is the most vital part for our on-going funding. A new level of giving;
Corporate Memberships; is a vital layer that the Board of Directors added in 2014 to create an opportunity
for businesses to be recognized for their role in Preserving Presenting and Promoting Swedish Immigrant
Heritage. Our mission statement is the basis for the name of the 3 new levels of yearly giving:
Preserve = $5000 Annual Gift * Present = $2500 Annual Gift * Promote = $1000 Annual Gift
Businesses have a long history of supporting the humanities throughout world history! Through Corporate
Memberships, businesses become partners in enhancing and ensuring the role of arts and history in a vibrant
community. In addition to playing this important role in our society, Corporate Members will also:

 Be recognized with their logo on our website
 Be recognized in our Holiday Edition of the Tidskrift
Have use of our museum for a private event or 20 admission tickets.
We are very grateful to thank our three Corporate Members: Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
“Creating Custom Comfort” in the northern suburbs, Gustavus II Adolphus Society and Scandia Farmer’s
Market. Thank you for your corporate memberships. For more information on opportunities for your
business, please contact our museum director, Lynne Blomstrand Moratzka at 651-433-5053
Gammelgården Tidskrift
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT No. 2
SCANDIA, MN
55073
Gammelgården Museum
20880 Olinda Trail North
P.O. Box 67
Scandia, MN 55073
Return Service Requested
Gammelgården Museum Staff and Board of Directors
Gammelgården Tidskrift is published three times a year by the Gammelgården Museum. Send all correspondence and change
of address notices to: Gammelgården Museum, 9885 202nd St. N., Forest Lake, MN 55025
Lynne Blomstrand Moratzka, Director
Sue Nickelson, Meals and More Coordinator
Kathy Bakke, Children’s Program Coordinator
Jim Moratzka, Caretaker
Joan Detzler, Membership Secretary
Julie Erickson, PR/ Marketing and Tidskrift Editor
Intern: To Be Named