It was a festive evening of conversation, dinner and dance music as the Swedish American Museum celebrated its Three Crowns Ball gala at Evanston's Crystal Ballroom on Nov. 7. The annual black-tie-optional, fund-raising event recognized the Center for Scandinavian Studies at North Park University and its director, Dr. Charles Peterson, also dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Peterson and his staff were honored for developing programs that promote academic and cultural interest in Nordic countries, as well as opportunities for students to study in Sweden for bicultural and bilingual careers in education and business.

The evening also offered guests several opportunities to take home prizes from a silent auction, which included first-class tickets on Delta Airlines, a Koval Distillery tour, a Chicago Blackhawks jersey signed by Jonathan Toews, a precision Electrolux vacuum, sightseeing tours, and spa and salon packages.

The program concluded with a raffle drawing that offered some lucky winners gift certificates, an overnight stay at the Union League Club including dinner and tickets to SACC-Chicago’s annual Lucia Luncheon.

For more info on the museum, see www.swedishamericanmuseum.org