Sweden celebrates America 250

Swedish activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence and the many Swedish contributions. 

  • Swedish Footprints: The exhibition Swedish Footprints in the United States - Celebrating 250 Years of Shared History runs through December, 2026 at House of Sweden. See the calendar at www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/usa-washington for specifics and opportunities for evening viewing.

  • Our recent interview with Urban Ahlin, Sweden's Ambassador to the United States: Sweden's ambassador: Truly transatlantic

  • Letters from America: A road trip podcast in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Washington will travel the U.S. throughout 2026. Writer and podcast producer Martin Wærn documents the history of the many Swedish immigrants of both yesterday and today through interviews with Swedes, Swedish Americans, people just like you. For more info, see www.thelettersfromamerica.com

  • Tall ships: HMS Gladan, the 40-meter top sail schooner from Sweden will join the global gathering of tall ships, Sail250. There will be receptions and programs in connection with her tour in Miami, New Orleans, Galveston, Norfolk, New York and Boston. For more info, see www.sail250.org

  • Sweden-U.S. Innovation Summit organized by Business Sweden at House of Sweden. For more info, see calendar at www.business-sweden.com

  • Commemorative Ceremony: 100 years after the dedication of the John Ericsson National Memorial near the National Mall in Washington takes place on May 29 at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony honors inventor John Ericsson, whose groundbreaking innovations—most notably the design of the USS Monitor—transformed naval engineering and strengthened Swedish‑American ties. Part of the Embassy’s observance of the 250th anniversary, the ceremony celebrates innovation, public service, and the lasting Swedish‑American friendship.

  • Kalmar Nyckel: The full-scale replica of Swedish ship that carried the first Swedish settlers to North America in 1638 will be anchored at the Wharf in DC on June 7-9. There will be a host of programs for schools, the general public and special invitees. For more info on the ship and its replica, see www.kalmarnyckel.org

  • Swedish Midsummer celebration on June 12: After starting an annual Midsummer celebration in Ottawa, Ambassador Ahlin wanted to establish something similar in Washington, DC. In his first year he organized a small gathering on the lawn outside the embassy, which then in 2025 moved to the National Mall. It became an enormous success. “We had 3,000 people celebrate on the Mall in 2025 and will be at the mall again for a Midsummer celebration on June 12, 2026.” Follow #SwedishMidsummerDC and @SwedeninUSA for more info