Christmas Celebrations at the Swedish Heritage Center

The holiday season is in full swing at the Swedish Heritage Center. Oakland is fortunate to have Tom Wallerstedt return to Oakland as the curator. For many years, since former curator Elsie Sebberson passed away, visitors could only visit the center by contacting an individual with a key. Not any longer. Tom’s arrival has changed everything.

Not only did Tom take on the role of curator, he also has done a great deal of work preparing the center for visitors and the holiday season. “When I first arrived at the Swedish Heritage Center, I realized there was much to do,” Tom stated. He took on the responsibility, cleaning every inch of the center, painting walls, rearranging the displays and many other tasks, making the center shine! Tom realizes how important the Swedish Heritage Center is to the community of Oakland, as Swedish is Oakland’s identity. “I had the pleasure of meeting people from Sweden, who visited the center recently. They had wanted to visit Swedish places upon coming to Nebraska and discovered the center. We had a wonderful visit,” Tom said.

The Swedish history of Oakland is something every visitor will surely enjoy, as there are generations of items for every eye to see. A dress hangs in the center that an Oaklander was wearing, anticipating her departure on the Titanic. She later decided not to go, which was a smart choice as history tells us. To find out who wore the dress, stop in at the Swedish Heritage Center.

Also, take time to enjoy Tom’s handiwork, he has quite a creative knack. Before coming home to Oakland, he had a shop of his own in Omaha which proudly displayed his creations, such as the ornaments he creates from corn husks into roses, which are on the Christmas tree at the Swedish Heritage Center, along with the Swedish Dala horses Tom has painted. Many years ago, Tom’s crafty talents were the subject of an article in LTD magazine, featuring his many crafts he hand makes. Tom also has the rose corn his ornaments for sale at the center. They are quite time consuming to make, taking him up to three days to finish. To purchase the ornaments, please contact Tom at the center.

Be sure to attend the Swedish Heritage Center’s many Christmas celebrations:

Thurs., Dec. 11th is the Santa Lucia Festival at 9:00 a.m. The 4th and 5th grade students from Oakland-Craig School perform this Swedish dance every year. The instructor is Teresa Rogers. Everyone is invited to attend. From 4:30-9:00 p.m. is the Swedish “SKAL” hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheese open house. Purchase tickets at Nelson’s Food Pride or at the door.

Sun., Dec. 14th will feature the Burt County Brass performing a Christmas concert beginning at 5:00 p.m. Karl Lundquist will also be reading Christmas poems along with singing by Mia Linder. A traditional Swedish meal will follow the concert. Donations will be accepted for the concert with funds going to the Swedish Heritage Center.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the events at the Swedish Heritage Center and celebrate the Christmas season. You are sure to be beyond pleased.

Tom Wallerstedt just decorating the Christmas Tree at the Swedish Heritage Center with his handmade corn husk rose ornaments. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Some of the Swedish dresses at the Heritage Center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Many wedding dresses are on display at the Swedish Heritage Center in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A beautiful historical Swedish dress at the center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Tom shows the husks he uses to make the gorgeous corn husk rose ornaments he decorates the Christmas tree with. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The end result,corn husk roses, that take Tom a great deal of time and effort to make. But, he doesn’t mind as he is quite creative. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.