The state of Minnesota is notable for its rich Scandinavian heritage. This is why organizations like American Swedish Institute exist in order to preserve this unique cultural heritage. The American Swedish Institute is a non-profit organization and museum located at Minneapolis, Minnesota. It aims to showcase, educate and preserve the historic and cultural role of Sweden in the history of the United States.

The institute?s headquarters is housed in a mansion-turned-museum in Minneapolis. Built in 1908, this castle-looking French Chateauesque-styled villa was the former home of Swedish immigrants Swan and Christina Turnblad, who immigrated to the US in 1868. The mansion was donated in 1929 and converted into its current function. The mansion?s museum contains period rooms and galleries showcasing various collections related to Swedish-American heritage. The building also houses a souvenir and coffee shop.