This year has been unusually challenging for the Swedish Historical Society and our members, as COVID prohibits us from getting together and celebrating our culture and traditions, something we truly value.

Next year is especially important to us as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Erlander Home. It is our hope that we will be able to get together to celebrate this significant anniversary sometime in the future.

The Swedish Historical Society really needs your financial support to be able to make needed repairs and to renovate the landscape at the Erlander Home.

Repairs needed at the facility include replacement of deteriorated steps leading to the porch ($3000); painting of hand railings and addition of a new barrier at the main entrance ($1100); tuck pointing repair of the south side of the foundation and in the border brick ($2000); and washing the exterior of the building ($500).

Another large project is upgrading the exterior landscaping. The current plantings have degraded over the years, and the landscaping needs an overhaul to bring back the elegance and beauty it deserves. We are honored that Landscape Architect John Cook has created a landscape plan to make the needed improvements. The estimated cost of the landscaping is $13,400. In addition, it will be necessary to contract with a service to maintain the renovated landscaping.

We are asking for your financial support to make the needed repairs and to implement the repairs and the new landscaping plan totaling $20,000.

If you are able to contribute, here are the ways you can make a donation. One way is to call our Executive Director, Alix Fox, at 815-963-5559 – hit the “0” button, and donate using your debit or credit card. Or, you can send a check to us at Swedish Historical Society, 404 South Third Street, Rockford, IL 61104). You can also contribute below through the website link below.

We are so grateful to you for your support of SHS. Please consider a gift or $150 or more for these renovations, however, any amount is greatly appreciated! We could not undertake these projects without your support.

Your donation can truly make a difference!

https://www.swedishhistorical.org/150th-anniversary...