Spring Fling (April 10-11) Come welcome spring and the beginning of the tourist season in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums and restaurants offer special discounts, events, and activities. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.

 

Exhibit Opening (April 10-11, 10-4) Kick off the 2026 season at our Opening Reception for Heritage and Community: The Vasa Order of America, New Jersey District Six. This exhibit explores the history and contributions of the Vasa Order of America’s New Jersey District No. 6, a Swedish-American fraternal organization dedicated to preserving Swedish heritage. District #6 evolved into a vibrant center of Scandinavian culture in New Jersey, with multiple local lodges and community activities centered at Vasa Park in Budd Lake, where generations have gathered for festivals, dances, language and folk programs, and cultural events. Through artifacts, photographs, and stories, the exhibit highlights how the District #6 fosters community, traditions, and embraces all those interested in Nordic heritage

 

This is the last year to see Fraternal Legacy: Reviving 20th Century Art. Explore a stunning collection of masterworks and original creations by Vasa Order members, spanning multiple mediums. With so many incredible pieces, we’re showcasing them across both floors of the archive—don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

 

Valborg and Wiener Roast (April 24, 6 pm) Experience an ancient Swedish traditional bonfire as we welcome spring’s return at the Vasa National Archives. Yard games, activities, hotdogs, hot coffee and cocoa will be available. This event is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, we will be on the Vasa National Archive second level. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.

 

Finnish Field Day: Hobby Horse Games (May 2, 1 – 4pm) Hobby horses, also known as stick horses, have been part of play, parody, and performance for centuries. In 2017, hobby horsing gained popularity with Selma Vilhunen’s documentary Keppihevosten vallankumous (Hobbyhorse Revolution). Now it’s your turn to join the fun! Make your own hobby horse—or bring a one from home—and enjoy a day of jumps, races, and dressage-inspired dancing. It’s a celebration of creativity, movement, and community for all ages. Hobby horses: $10 each. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com. Come ride, play, and be part of this joyful tradition!

 

Midsummer Respite (June 20, 10 – 4, during Midsummer) If you get too hot or dry while exploring Bishop Hill during this summer celebration, the Vasa National Archives invites you to take a break and enjoy fika with us. Fika is a Swedish custom of offering visitors a drink and a snack. To help pass the time while you cool off, we have a make-and-take clay sculpture station for you. Free and open to the public. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.

 

Butter Making (Sept. 26-27, 10 – 5, during Jordbruksdagarna) Bishop Hill colonists, like many Swedes, were excellent butter and cheese makers. Stop by our booth in the Demonstration area to learn about butter making and make your own butter to take home. Free and open to the Public. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.

 

Bargain Hunter Weekend (Oct. 10-11) Come celebrate the bounty of fall in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums and restaurants offer special discounts, events, and activities. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.

 

Make and Take Dala Horses (Nov. 27- 29 and Dec 5-6, 10 - 4, while supplies last) During holiday weekends, paint stations will be available in the Vasa National Archive to decorate a wooden Dala Horse. Paint, brushes, and smocks are provided, and horses may be left to dry while you explore Bishop Hill. During the week, take-home Dala Horse kits are available, each including a horse, brush, and three paint colors. Cost: $5 ornament or $7 standing horse Reservations recommended to ensure supply. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for details.

 

Closing Reception (Dec. 11-12, 6-9 pm, during Lucia Nights) Come say goodbye to the Vasa exhibit on Fraternal Legacy: Reviving 20th Century Art. This is also a final celebration of the 2026 season. Cider and cookies will be available to visitors at the Vasa National Archives for the closing reception. Free and open to the public. Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information.