About

The Foundation of Iowa's Swede Bend Settlement is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of the heritage, historical, and cultural aspects of Swedish-Americans who settled at Swede Bend and the greater Swedish immigrant area beginning in the 1840s.

The Swedish Immigrant Museum and Research Center, located in Stratford, houses and displays a collection of artifacts belonging to the area's Swedish pioneers. The research library offers a robust collection of genealogical materials including access to Swedish records, obituaries, cemetery records, church records, community histories and much more.

The Foundation of Iowa's Swede Bend Settlement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

We are located at:

819 Goldsmith St.
PO Box 132
Stratford, IA 50249

For more information or to schedule a visit, please email us at info@swedebend.com.

2021-2022 Objectives  

• Transitioning paper documentation of museum holdings to a searchable, online catalog
• Properly archiving and storing objects, documents, photographs, maps in the collection
• Updating the exhibit gallery space with secure display cases to protect artifacts
• Building maintenance on our historic bank and post office building

Board of Directors

The Swedish Foundation of Iowa's Swede Bend Settlement is governed by its Board of Directors. Directors are elected or appointed by the Board and serve one-year terms.

We are currently seeking nominations of those who would like to serve on the Board of Directors. Please submit the online nomination form to be considered for this opportunity.