Earlier this month, I had the tremendous honor of welcoming His Excellency Urban Ahlin, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, for an official visit to New York’s 23rd Congressional District. It was a powerful reminder that the cultural bonds, historical ties, and economic partnerships that connect our region to Sweden are not only alive–they are thriving.

For generations, Swedish-Americans have helped shape the character of Western New York. Their work ethic, traditions, and values are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities, and hosting Ambassador Ahlin allowed us to put that shared heritage on full display.

I first met the Ambassador early in my tenure, and we quickly became friends through our shared love for people and government. Before serving as Ambassador, His Excellency spent years in the Swedish Parliament, becoming one of his country’s most respected leaders and diplomats. I knew that bringing him to Chautauqua County to experience our vibrant Swedish-American culture would be a historic and momentous opportunity, and I was thrilled that he accepted my invitation.

From Jamestown’s historic furniture industry to our churches, bakeries, and schools, the legacy of early Swedish influence is felt everywhere. By 1920, nearly one in five Jamestown residents was of Swedish descent–a remarkable testament to the cultural and economic ties between our nations.

Ambassador Ahlin’s visit brought those bonds to life. Our visit began in Jamestown with a warm welcome ceremony, where local leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the deep and enduring friendship between Sweden and the United States. From there, we embarked on a two-day tour that highlighted the many ways Swedish culture, innovation, and investment are present across our region.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Chautauqua Institution, a world-renowned center for lifelong learning and civil dialogue. As we toured the grounds and took in the beauty of Chautauqua Lake–thanks to a lake tour arranged by Sheriff Jim Quattrone–we saw firsthand how the spirit of reflection and community engagement continues to define this treasured place.

Later that evening, we joined the Norden Club of Jamestown for a traditional Swedish dinner at the historic Ingjald Lodge #65. It was more than a meal–it was a celebration of cultural pride and the friendships that span oceans.

On Wednesday, we dug even deeper into the roots and future of our Swedish-American connection. We toured the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, where art and environmental education intersect. We visited Jamestown Community College, which is building a new and promising Scandinavian Studies initiative. And we stepped inside the historic First Lutheran Church–founded in 1856–where generations of Swedish immigrants worshipped, married, and built their American dreams.

Our tour also showcased the dynamic economic ties between Sweden and Western New York. We visited SKF Aerospace, a cutting-edge manufacturer and a proud outpost of Sweden’s industrial excellence, right in Falconer. We also toured TitanX Engine Cooling, another Swedish-affiliated company that plays a vital role in powering America’s transportation sector.

No visit would be complete without a stop at one of our region’s sweetest institutions: Ecklof Bakery. Founded in 1956, it remains a living legacy of Swedish culinary tradition, and I was proud to see the operations and taste some traditional Swedish pastries with Ambassador Ahlin.

This visit was more than symbolic. It reaffirmed that our district is not just preserving Swedish-American traditions–we are expanding them. Whether through academic initiatives, cultural institutions, or industrial partnerships, we are building a future that honors the past while looking ahead with optimism and pride.

On a personal note, it was incredibly meaningful for me to host Sweden’s top diplomat in my hometown and bring the community where I grew up into the international spotlight. Our small towns and cities are so often overlooked and forgotten by those in power, and it was a tremendous honor to be able to showcase our beautiful natural resources, our businesses, and most importantly–the amazing, hardworking families that make our communities so special.

I’m grateful to Ambassador Ahlin for his time, his friendship, and his commitment to strengthening ties between our nations. I’m equally thankful to the many community members, leaders, and businesses who helped make this visit so memorable. Our roots are strong. Our relationships are even stronger. And after this visit, I’m more confident than ever in the bright future of the Swedish-American story here in New York’s 23rd Congressional District.

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy represents Chautauqua County in the House of Representatives.