THE BUILDING. After a successful fund raising drive, ground breaking took place on Nov. 23, 1973, and construction was begun. On June 5, 1974, the building was dedicated in the presence of many visitors from the US, Canada and Sweden. The building is surrounded by a wide expanse of lawn and huge maple trees. It was designed to harmonize with existing buildings in the village. The dimensions of the original building were 30 ft. by 50 ft.. Recently, a 20 ft. by 30 ft. extension was completed which was designed to blend in to the original building. The Vasa emblem, in color, is mounted above the front door and the American and Swedish flags fly from the front porch. 

The main exhibit room is the first to be entered. Portraits relating to the Vasa Order are prominently displayed on the walls: These include an imposing likeness of Gustaf Vasa, donated by the South Side Vasa Club in Chicago, the hand painted original charter of the Vasa Order, and our Swedish Royal Honorary Members (Their Majesties Gustaf V, Gustaf VI AdoIf, Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia). Carl XVI Gustaf received his honorary membership in this room in 1976, a part of his observance of America’s Bi-Centennial . District Lodge Connecticut No. 1 commissioned a fine portrait of Nils Pearson, our first Grand Master. An especially fine stained glass Vasa Emblem donated by friends in memory of Past Grand Master Andrew Wendell graces a window in this room. 

Exhibit room No. 2 is at present used to display various paintings and trophies in beautiful cabinets donated by lodges and friends in memory of departed members. Here, large glass enclosed cabinets hold different gifts we have received over the years. Items on display are considered irreplaceable and add to the overall dignity of our Archives. The appointment and honoring of the SWEDISH AMERICAN OF THE YEAR is an annual event sponsored by the Swedish government and the Vasa Order in Sweden. An attractive display of photographs of these honorees enhances the appearance of the room. Some published works by these Swedish-Americans have been donated to our library, as has part of Dr. Albin Widen's collection. 

Our main Record room has four racks containing 250 acid proof archival storage boxes. They contain recorded minute books, programs, histories, etc. sent in by individuals and local and district lodges, plus a large amount of Grand lodge material. There is more material out there in Vasa Land. It should be in our archives to add to Vasa history. The metal shelving in this room contains our collection of yearly bound copies of the Vasa Star. Sorry to say, there are several bound copies missing. Anyone owning such bound copies or even early singles of the Vasa Star is urged to contact the Archives. 

A large room on the lower level has been named the "District’s Gallery". It’s two purposes are to house special Local and District displays, and, with it’s small kitchen, is a gathering place for groups of visitors. 

The upper level contains our libraries and an exhibit and study room. Bookcases hold many reference books, used by Vasa members and others for research purposes. The Grandfather clock made and donated by Br. Henry Lindquist, Harmony Lodge No. 465, tolls the passing hours. We also house a computer center, where Vasa History is transcribed from microfilm and original sources to a database