Talk by Dr James Enever: “SKANSEN” and Sweden’s vernacular buildings

Abstract.  Skansen is on a 75acre site in central Stockholm. It shows life through the ages from all over Sweden. It is open throughout the year. There are over 150 buildings from the 16^th century to the 20^th century. The buildings are all in their original condition and have been moved to Skansen from all over the country. The buildings range from: a manor house to a single room forest home; farms and Sami encampments; church and mission house; craft workshops such as glass, wood, silversmith and trade shops such as bakers, Coop food shop, Bank and hardware shop. Most of the buildings are open as living buildings on a rotational basis with volunteers. These volunteers maybe: preparing food; weaving and dying; looking after pigs, cows and sheep; cutting, threshing and grinding corn; playing music in the church; selling bread and cakes in the bakers. The buildings’ volunteers are fluent in Swedish and English and are ready to answer questions.