Emigration and Glassworks

 Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Before we left Växjö we visited the House of Emigrants.  This museum is the largest institution in the Nordic countries focusing on emigration to North America. 

In the 1840's Sweden was a very poor country, afflicted by sickness, famine and lack of opportunity.  It's hard to believe, but 1/4 of the population of Sweden (1.3 million people) left the country in the late 1800's and early 1900's looking for a better life. Most traveled to North America, and settled in Minnesota, Chicago or New York. These areas still have large communities with Swedish roots

The museum was so well done...it had letters, photos, stories and artifacts from many who made the journey across the Atlantic.

Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men on the moon was a Swedish-American, whose grandparents emigrated to America in 1892.  He donated this photo to the museum.

My favorite part of the exhibit was the wall of people with Swedish roots who became famous!

One was Johan Wilhelm Nordström, and also Walgreens ...I support both stores on a regular basis!

Another famous Swede is Alexander Samuelsson, a glass engineer who invented the Coca Cola bottle in Terre Haute, Indiana!  Who knew??? 

It was really an eye-opener and such an education to learn what people went through to find a better life.  Also makes me appreciate a bit more what America has offered to so many people.

Following our emigration education, we visited a Swedish glassmaking company--Kosta Boda.

It is a high-end glasswork shop that specializes in art glass and tableware.  There were some magnificent pieces (with magnificent price tags).

The Company has seasoned and famous artisans who have been with the company for 50 and 60 years.  They have consolidated with other glasswork shops.

We were able to go to the factory and see some of the pieces being made.  It is a tedious process and surprising that the workers don't wear gloves when they work!

The ovens run 24 hours a day and are heated to 1153 degrees celsius!

Today they were making a limited edition run of a clear vase with red and yellow color.  It will take over 24 hours to cool. Seeing the process helps explain why the pieces are so expensive.

Even the stair bannisters were made of glass!

I didn't buy anything... 

But did enjoy a fika with cinnamon rolls at the cafe!