The Kapitoleum, New Sweden, ca. 1930
New Sweden Historical Society
Welcome to our history of the Maine Swedish Colony in Aroostook County. Our communities include New Sweden, Stockholm, Westmanland, and Woodland. The Colony also expanded into the surrounding towns of Perham, Connor, and Caribou.
Nils and Karna Persson, New Sweden, ca. 1890
New Sweden Historical Society
Maine's Swedish Colony was founded in the 1870s in an effort to settle Northern Maine. Maine officials actively recruited several hundred immigrants from Sweden who came and formed the nucleus of a vibrant Swedish community. That community and its culture endures today with its celebrations at Midsommer and St. Lucia. Swedish folk dancing and the sounds of Swedish music can still be heard during the various festivals and celebrations.
This site was created by a partnership between the New Sweden Historical Society, the Stockholm Historical Society, Maine Swedish Colony, Nylander Museum, New Sweden School, and the Caribou Public Library. It is designed to provide people in our community and beyond with access to resources that will help them explore our local history. More About the Community Heritage Project can be found here.