Discover Your Swedish Roots
A beginner-friendly membership about Swedish genealogy
If You’re Tired of Guessing
Building a reliable family tree is tricky. Which records should you use? What do they say and what does it mean? And on top of it you’re doing it in a made up language! Maybe not made up per se, but ”Lefvnads- och Sjukdoms-omständigheter.” Really?
What if You Understood Your Ancestor?
Imagine that you’ve followed your great-grandfather through the years before he migrated. From one employment to the next across his home province, you’ve traced his journey. You’ve gone all the way back to his childhood home, learning about his parents and siblings along the way. You’ve discovered their names and what they did for a living. Maybe you’ve even found an event that changed everything for them—be it an illness, the loss of a farm, or unemployment. Now you know where your family came from and what shaped them.
You can connect with your Swedish roots. That’s what Shortcut to Sweden is for.
Shortcut to Sweden
Join a community that supports your curiosity and gives you the tools to explore your family history.
What’s included
Genealogy Chronicles
A 3-minute read on everything Swedish genealogy.
Q&A
Get answers to your questions on Swedish family history and brief translations.
Translation Library
A searchable library of translations of old words relevant for family history.
Resource Library
A searchable library of resources for Swedish family history.
Genealogy Chronicles
Read the monthly newsletter. It makes sense of your Swedish family history in only 3 minutes. Each issue ends with a 3-5 point summary and suggestions for how you can use it in your own research.
You have immediate access to over 40 previous editions.
Q&A
Get reliable answers from a professional genealogist. Anything that helps your Swedish family history is on topic, including brief translations.
Delivered monthly in an email and available on the website.
Translation Library
Use the library of translations for genealogy. With old spellings and the meaning they had at the time.
This is one of my own cheat sheets.
Resource Library
Dig into the searchable library of curated resources. Among the resources are archives, indexes, books and educational material. Most are online.
This is one of the tools I use in my research.
How It Works
1
Click the “Join Now” button to go to the checkout. You make payments by credit card through a secure and encrypted connection. Just enter your details, and you’re in!
2
Look out for your first email. This starts your 8-week orientation. It guides you through select issues of the Genealogy Chronicles. These serve as a foundational course in Swedish genealogy.
3
Explore the Tools! Genealogy Chronicles: New issues are published monthly. Q&A: Professional answers to your questions. Translation Library: The words you’ll find in old records. Resource Library: Archives, indexes and more.
Let’s do this!
Join now for $11/month. 25% VAT is added for customers within the EU. This offer ends on December 14 at midnight PST and 19:00 AEDT.
Hej, Annika Here
I’m a professional genealogist and a born and raised Swede living in Gothenburg, Sweden. There’s a good chance this is where your ancestor stepped on a ship to start a new life.
Family history is more than the dates and places in the records. We can also learn from the laws, traditions, geography, and economics that shaped our ancestors. Much of this are things that Swedes just know – or can read in an obscure book. But it’s harder to find in English. That’s why I created Shortcut to Sweden.
For a year and a half, Shortcut to Sweden was a newsletter focused on all those details that make sense of your Swedish family history. And in late 2023, Shortcut to Sweden is being re-released as a membership, with even more resources and personal feedback. Still with the same leading principle: to share the most relevant information in the most convenient way possible.
Join me as we dive into the Sweden of our ancestors.
Who Is This For?
You’re Eager to Delve Into Your Swedish Heritage
Shortcut to Sweden provides you with curated resources, translations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure a structured learning experience.
You Value a Beginner-Friendly Approach
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, this membership is designed to guide you in discovering your family history.
You’re Interested in the Context of Your History
Beyond dates and places, discover the laws, traditions, and economics that shaped your ancestors’ lives, and connect with your Swedish roots.
Got Questions?
What’s in the Shortcut to Sweden membership?
Shortcut to Sweden is your toolbox to discovering and understanding your Swedish roots. It includes a monthly newsletter named Genealogy Chronicles, with content on Swedish geography, culture, history, and more, right to your inbox. Members also have access to a Translation Library and a Resource Library. Both are important tools in my own research and I update them continuously. Your questions are answered in the monthly Q&A.
I’m a complete beginner. Will I be able to follow along?
Absolutely! The membership is designed to be beginner-friendly, providing you with all the tools and guidance needed to discover your genealogy, regardless of your current knowledge level. During the first 8 weeks, you will be guided through the fundamentals of Swedish genealogy.
What kind of resources are included in the Translation and Resource Libraries?
The Translation Library is a database of translations of Swedish words and terms done by a professional genealogist. The Resource Library lists mainly online archives and databases, but also books and educational information. Please note that the resources are not affiliated with Shortcut to Sweden and while some are free to use, others require a subscription.
How does the Q&A work?
Every month, members have the opportunity to submit their genealogy-related questions, including requests for brief translations. These questions are answered comprehensively in a monthly email and also housed online. Due to time differences, the Q&A is not live, so you can use it at your convenience. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get expert insights and deepen your understanding.
Can I cancel my membership if it’s not the right fit for me?
Yes, you can. You can cancel at any time from your customer dashboard. However, due to the digital nature of Shortcut to Sweden, it’s non-refundable.
What do I need to do to keep up with the program?
Nothing. The features of the membership are available to use at your own pace.
How do I get started with Shortcut to Sweden?
It’s easy! Click on the Join Now button and complete the signup process. Once you’re a member, you’ll receive a 8-week introduction to Swedish genealogy and immediate access to the membership benefits.
Discover Your Roots Today
Shortcut to Sweden is available for $11/month until December 13. 25% VAT is added for customers within the EU. The rate is locked in for the remainder of your subscription. The offer is valid before December 14 at midnight PST and 19:00 AEDT.
PS
Curious about the top picture? It’s from Gådsby Village, Gårdsby Parish, Kalmar County on the island Öland. It’s was taken in 1906 by Thorin, Johan Emanuel and belongs to Nordiska Museet (NMA.0063327) PDM.