Swedish-American Historical Society Records

The Swedish Pioneer Historical Society underwent a name change in 1983 and became known as The Swedish American Historical Society. The Society was founded in response to the well received 1948 celebration commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Swedish Immigration to the American Midwest. The goals of the Society were to support and stimulate interest in Swedish American contributions to American history, preserve documents, encourage historical research and sponsor publications. Since its inception as a non-profit in 1950 the Society has been governed by a board of directors and daily operations facilitated by the executive secretary.

The Society has incorporated a vast array of programing including tours of Swedish related sites, research conferences as well as annual and semi-annual banquets. The Society has a membership program and has actively sought to keep membership levels high to support the Society and the publication of The Swedish American Historical Quarterly. The Quarterly seeks to keep academic interest in Swedish American studies relevant. 

In 1983, in addition to the name change, the board redefined and reorganized the structure of the committees serving the society. The formation of the boards is as follows; the Editorial Board became the Publications Board, the Archives Board was redefined as the Preservation Board, and the boards for the Development, Awards and Grants, and Programs were given further definitions.