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.
Swedish Reading Club: When the Cranes Fly South (Tranorna flyger söderut) by Lisa Ridzén
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
A profoundly moving debut novel that follows an elderly man’s attempts to mend his relationship with his son before it’s too late: an emotional story of love, friendship, fatherhood, dogs, and atonement that is already an international sensation.
“A tender tale about aging, our own and others’, and the quiet brutality of love. About what being a man is, and what being a human is, about fathers and sons and fathers and dogs. It’s really a book for anyone who’s had to say goodbye. The kind of book you give to someone when you’re really trying to say ‘I’ve been thinking about you’ but don’t know how.”
—Fredrik Backman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
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).