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Donate

People wait on the Stratford depot platform waiting for the train.

It takes a community to keep our history alive.

Your donation - whether it's cash, services, time or artifacts - is essential to preserving and documenting the heritage, historical, and cultural aspects of those who settled in the greater Swede Bend area.

The Foundation of Iowa's Swede Bend Settlement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The foundation's Swedish Immigrant Museum located in Stratford, Iowa, is completely volunteer operated. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations help us keep the museum open, building maintained, preserve artifacts and more. Those who give $20 or more annually, receive complimentary admission to the museum, special events and workshops during the given calendar year.

Monetary donations can be given at the museum or mailed to:

819 Goldsmith St.
PO Box 132
Stratford, IA 50249

Artifact Donations

We accept donations of artifacts and research materials related to the greater Swede Bend region and items related to Swedish culture, heritage and traditions.

Items in our collection are cared for using current-day museum collection care standards. This includes creating a suitable environment for the preservation and display of collections, planning for ongoing care, and handling, storing and treating artifacts using proper archival practices and materials.

Read more about artifact donations or email us at info@swedebend.com.

Sponsorships

When you sponsor a Swede Bend Foundation initiative or event, name and/or logo recognition is given based on the type of sponsorship.

In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations of supplies and services are always appreciated. We have current demand for the following supplies and services:

Supplies

  • Paint
  • Dehumidifier

Services

  • Carpentry services to finish the moulding and trim in the research room.
  • Carpentry work to create additional shelves in our collection storage vault.
  • Carpentry work around the front window.
  • Glass repair work on the front window.
  • Window and door replacement and installation.

Volunteers

Our volunteer team helps keep the museum and research center active, open and available to the community. We have many volunteer roles - both onsite and remote. Fill out the volunteer interest form to get started.

Ways to Volunteer

  • Serve on Board of Directors
  • Serve on Advisory Council
  • Staff the museum/research center
  • Assist with building projects - carpentry, painting, misc repairs
  • Assist at events
  • Assist with event preparation
  • Assist with genealogy/historical research
  • Assist with collections care
  • Assist with digitization projects
  • Assist with digital cataloging
  • And more!