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“My
grandparents all came from Sweden—from Denmark, . . . Finland, . .
. Iceland, . . . or Norway.”
As generations pass, though, how can I think of myself as
Scandinavian?
Especially how can I think this, if I speak only English and
have never been to any part of Scandinavia? Between 1850 and 1930,
North America drew almost 3 million people from Scandinavia.
What has since become of all those immigrants?
As the 21st century begins, a third of the population of
Minnesota alone identifies itself as stemming from Scandinavia, even
seeing themselves as being “pretty much 100% Scandinavian.”
Stefan
Quinth, world renowned Swedish filmmaker, and Dr. William Beyer,
former education, collections, and programs director for the
American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, have teamed up to create
this ramble through Scandinavian Minnesota and a bit into
neighboring states. The film explores the experience of immigration,
the process of Americanization, the importance of landmark
institutions such as churches and colleges, the power of family and
community, the vitality of arts and craft, the matter of language,
and the enjoyment of humor — it’s a rich journey, fueled by
gallons of coffee.
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