ABSTRACT
Every summer in Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania in the United States, a small community comes together to celebrate a unique past. The Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival commemorates the traditions and heritage of a region settled by Swedish immigrants in the 19th century. In addition to their resolute American patriotism, residents of Mt. Jewett and the broader McKean County region continue to preserve and take pride in their Swedish roots. The Swedish Festival highlights authentic (as well as inauthentic) elements of Swedish culture and heritage still present in the community today – fostering a sense of belonging with a cultural tradition beyond American borders. Since many rural American communities are defined by distinctive regional identities and shared heritage, this chapter addresses the importance of rural heritage festivals in maintaining perceptions of authentic regional identities, preserving intangible heritage of early immigrants, and illuminating a side of rural America that often remains hidden.
