10. Gammelgarden Museum Proclamation
Proclamation for Gammelgården Museum
Whereas: Scandia, MN is recognized as the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota, with
the construction of a log home on Hay Lake in 1850; and
Whereas: Elim Lutheran Church of Scandia is recognized as the third oldest Lutheran
congregation in Minnesota, organized May 19, 1854; and
Whereas: Located and maintained at Gammelgarden in the center of Scandia are buildings
and property from this early era, including Präst Hus (Pastor’s Home), which was built in
1868 on this site and is the oldest known pastor’s home in the state of Minnesota; and
Whereas: Also located at Gammelgarden is the first sanctuary for the Elim congregation,
built in 1856, and recognized as the oldest Lutheran sanctuary in Minnesota and still used;
and
Whereas: Elim Lutheran Church, seeking to recognize and honor this unique heritage,
purchased the original property and buildings that had been the Pastor’s home and farm in
1972 and created GAMMELGÅRDEN MUSEUM (Old Small Farm) to Preserve, Present,
and Promote Swedish Immigrant Heritage; and
Whereas: Gammelgården Museum now includes 5 historic buildings from the early
Scandia Swedish Immigrant era, has established an international reputation, drawing
thousands of visitors each year to Scandia for tours, classes, events, shopping, and
programs, and has collected over 5,000 appropriate artifacts; and
Whereas: 2023 marks the 51st year for Gammelgården Museum and the third century for
four of the buildings; therefore
The City Council of the City of Scandia declares the month of May 2023 to be
GAMMELGÅRDEN MUSEUM Month.
Christine Maefsky
Mayor, City of Scandia