In Pennsylvania
The last two chances to sample aquavit in Philadelphia are coming up. On August 12 and September 9, you can attend an exclusive guided tour of the SKÅL! SCANDINAVIAN SPIRITS exhibition before it closese on September 17 at the American Swedish Historical Museum. The tour explores the history of Scandinavian spirits and the role those beverages play in the heritage of Scandinavian America, then is followed by the opportunity to learn how to properly Skål, or cheers, at the end of the tour with an aquavit tasting.
“Raise your glass.
Say “Skål!” with gusto.
Look your companions in the eye.
Take a drink.
Look your companions in the eye again.
Set down your glass.”
Tour spots are limited, so pre-registration is required. $8/members and $18/non-members (must be 21 or over to attend tasting): 215.389.1776 or www.americanswedish.org

In Colorado
The renowned exhibit, VIKINGS:BEYOND THE LEGEND, has been making its way from Stockholm to select museums in the U.S. and is currently at the Denver Museum of Natural History, but only until August 18.
Laying waste to the one-dimensional stereotype of bearded barbarians with horned helmets, the exhibition transports you back to Scandinavia in 750-1100 CE - the Viking Age. Marvel at a culture of surprising refinement, complexity and achievement, inspired by a supernatural world inhabited by Thor, Odin and Freyja, and other gods, goddesses and giants. Fresh insights revealed through archaeological discoveries and more than 500 treasures show why the Vikings will always capture imaginations of all ages. www.dmns.org/vikings-beyond-the-legend/

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In Illinois
Visit Augustana College and see the exhibit “FLYING FOOL: CHARLES LINDBERGH'S STORY.” It’s on display in the Swenson Center’s reading room only until August 31, but while you’re there, you can also enjoy a brief history of the Swedish mass migration to North America written by the Swenson Center’s director, Dr. Dag Blanck.
The Swenson Center is at 3520 7th Avenue, on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island. 309.794.7204, www.augustana.net/general-information/swenson-center

In Connecticut
Get a DECK TOUR of DRAKEN HARALD HÅRFAGRE this summer! There is still time to get aboard the world's largest Viking ship, the Draken, currently docked in Mystic Seaport after an historic expedition from Norway to the Great Lakes last year.
Deck tours are offered at 30-minute intervals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Fridays through Sundays – until September 4. Tickets* can be purchased online at www.drakenshop.com or on-site at the ship in Mystic Seaport. $6/adult, senior, youth, free/age 3 and under.
Founded in 1929, Mystic Seaport is the leading maritime museum in the U.S. and is home to four U.S. National Historic Landmark vessels and more than two million artifacts, including more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country.
*Please note admission to Mystic Seaport is required, please see www.mysticseaport.org for more information. www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com

Also in Connecticut for just a month from mid-August to mid-September is The NORDIC TAPESTRY GROUP exhibit: "Weaving knowledge into personal experience." This group exhibition of 22 Nordic textile artists is headlined by internationally acclaimed artist and weaver Helena Hernmarck who is recognized for revolutionizing weaving tapestry as a medium suited to modern architectural environments. Her technique is a play on traditional Swedish weaving techniques, which she has evolved to achieve powerful photorealistic effects.
The exhibition features tapestries from the Nordic Tapestry weavers’ shared passion and ongoing exchange that celebrates the transfer and evolution of weaving into personal expression. At the Washington Art Association and Gallery and Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot from Aug. 12 to Sept. 9. 860.868.2878, www.washingtonartassociation.org/exhibitions/nordictapestryshow/

As always, check our online calendar for other events around Swedish America, and you can even add your own — it's easy, just follow the prompt anywhere on this website where you see the orange "submit event" button.