Season Opening Day marks the first day of the 2025 season. This family-friendly, free event will feature many exciting activities and exhibits!
From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
· View new exhibits in the Welcome House (Välkommen Hus): "Explore the World of Immigrants" and "Scandinavian Fish and Fishing."
· See the historic buildings and look for some artifacts that have not been displayed before.
· Visit Little Blue’s Traveling Zoo by Gammelgården’s barn, and see and touch a variety of farm animals.
· See and touch popular nineteenth-century games, hosted by costumed interpreters from the Living History Society of Minnesota.
· Do hands-on historical activities by each of the buildings.
· Shop at the Arts, Crafts, and Vendor Fair. Participating vendors will be listed in Spring 2025.
· Watch artists do demonstrations throughout the day including:
- Kim Garrett – Rosemaling – Kim has studied with several Vesterheim Gold Medal-winning rosemaling instructors. She also studied with master artists in Norway and Sweden. Kim’s goal is to bring together a blend of traditional Scandinavian folk art with modern techniques and point of view.
- Laila and Kate from Knit & Gather.
- Minnesota Lace Society.
- Natalie Norman – Embroidery – Natalie will display samples of needlework on kjolsackor as well as demonstrate embroidery work.
- Scandinavian Weavers Study Group.
· Visit with organizations that have displays and information about immigrants and pioneers who were in Minnesota at the same time that Swedish immigrants were moving and settling in the state:
- French-American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota.
- Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.
- Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota.
· Shop in Gammelgården’s gift shop (Butik) and see all the new products for 2025!
· Visit with the Minnesota Genealogical Society and learn how to research your family’s ancestors.
· Toddler dance party hosted by Loon Holistic Health at 11 a.m.
· Historic fashion show by the Living History Society of Minnesota at 1 p.m.
· Learn about volunteer opportunities at Gammelgården.
· Temporary tattoos for kids.
· Tasty treats - taste a sample of what food in the 1800s would have tasted like!
· Learn about the many restoration and accessibility projects happening at Gammelgården this year.
· Food and beverages on site for purchase.
· Check out a sensory kit, if needed. (The museum has kits for both children and adults.)
You may also like the following events from Gammelgården Museum of Scandia:
- This Saturday, 3rd May, 10:00 am, Artists, Crafters, & Vendors Fair in Scandia
- This Saturday, 3rd May, 01:00 pm, Fashion in the 1800s Presented by the Living History Society of Minnesota in Scandia
- Next Friday, 9th May, 10:30 am, Swede Hollow : History & Heritage Book Club in Scandia
Also check out other
Arts events in Scandia,
Kids events & activities in Scandia,
Parties in Scandia.
