Bruce KarstadtCarver County has witnessed a resurgence of interest [0] in its Swedish roots [0] lately: a push for preservation of the Andrew Peterson farmstead; the 150th anniversary of East Union Lutheran Church; formation of the Nordic Heritage Club; and frequent visits from Swedish tourists.

Now, the county is getting a visit from a Swedish official. On Jan. 31 Swedish Consul General Bruce Karstadt will pay a visit to the Andrew Peterson farm, near Waconia.

Much of the day-to-day life of the Swedish immigrant was recorded by Peterson over the course of 44 years of living in Carver County. In 1948, author Vilhelm Moberg arrived in the Unites States to research the immigrant experience. He used Peterson's diaries, kept at the Minnesota Historical Society, as an outline for his series of four novels about Swedish immigrants.

After his visit to the farm, a public reception will be held for Karstadt at the Acorn House in Victoria at 5 p.m.

For more info, contact the Carver County Historical Society at (952) 442-4234.