OUR STORY

Take a step back into Abilene History.

The Swenson House was built in 1910 by the Swenson family and is an Abilene Landmark. The Swenson House Historical Society is proud to preserve this lovely home and share its rich history with visitors from all over the world.

The Society works to protect & maintain it’s contents. It is making the Swenson House accessible to schools, univeristies civic groups & individuals for education, community events, partnerships with civic orgaizations, docent guided tours, volunteer opportunities, rentals & events. We host many events on property throughout the year, such as Haunted Abilene, Christmas Parties, Derby Day, Murder Mystery Dinners, Kaffe Fest, and other private events.
We ask you to join us & support us in keeping the Swenson House a vibrant cornerstone in the City of Abilene for many years to come!

W.G. and Shirley Swenson

William Gray & Shirley Swenson met as students at Southwestern University. They married & settled in Abilene, where he had grown up. Swenson was a first generation Swedish-American, & he was a lifelong entrepreneur & businessman in Abilene. His father Swante Johan, who died early, was a nephew of S.M. Swenson, who was the first Swedish person to come to Texas & was Secretary of State under Sam Houston.