In Search of a Million Swedes
- an American Journey and Everything in Between
A road trip podcast in proud collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC.
Coming soon where podcasts are.
What’s your Swedish / American connection?
Do you have a tale to tell about you, your family, your friends, or all of the above? Please visit our Instagram and share your experiences in the comments.
In proud collaboration with:
We share a history. In hopes of a better future, approximately 1.3 million Swedes emigrated to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking to escape poverty and religious persecution. Some succumbed to the harsh conditions, while others succeeded, leaving significant marks on the country they "lived to love".
- This is the journey to seek out their heritage.
In partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC, I am embarking on a twelve-month tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence by exploring the people and places of Swedish America through a series of weekly podcast episodes.
It’s one year, one car, one caravan, and one Swede (and his dog) — a sole explorer going from New Sweden, Maine, to the Pacific Coast and back - on a quest for a “million Swedes” - and everything in between.
“Since the first Swedes arrived in the United States in 1638, generations of Swedes have contributed to the fabric of American society — building communities, shaping industries, and strengthening the ties between our nations. As we mark 250 years of American independence, we honor not only the approximately 1.3 million Swedes who came during the great wave of emigration, but all those who have made the U.S. their home and left lasting legacies. Today, Sweden and the United States enjoy a strong and forward-looking partnership, working together to address global security challenges, promote innovation and sustainability, and foster economic and technological advancement. The Embassy of Sweden is proud to support this journey of rediscovery — a tribute to our shared past and a celebration of the vibrant relationship that continues to shape our future together.”