The Letters from America
In search of a million Swedes “…and everything in between”
We share a history. Though small in numbers, 1,2 million Swedes left to seek a better future in the United States during the mass immigration of the past century. Some succumbed to the harsh conditions, while others succeeded, leaving significant marks on the country they "lived to love".
- This is the journey to seek out their heritage.
WHAT I’M PROPOSING
Inspired by the deeds of those who came before, we will explore America on a twelve-month tour from New Sweden, Maine, to the Pacific Coast, meeting people and places - both known and unknown - finding our way on the roads less traveled to highlight our trip.
Everything captured and recorded in a weekly series of POD episodes, imagery, and articles - produced, photographed, and written by me.
Together, we will build a three-part narrative: the people we meet, the journey itself, and the story of an EarthRoamer on tour.
PEOPLE, PLACES & STORIES
Today, it is estimated that approximately 12 million Swedes live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. That is 2 million more than the total amount living in Sweden today.
Texas Instruments, Greyhound Buses, and Indian Motorcycles have Swedish roots. The Mossberg family revolutionized the gun industry, and Lindberg crossed the Atlantic. We’ve got seven stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, headlined Billboard Top 100, won Academy Awards, shaped the Coca-Cola bottle, invented both the propeller and Sunmaid Raisins, worked with presidents, and painted Yosemite National Park. There’s a monument in Nome, Alaska, of the Three Lucky Swedes who kick-started the gold rush, a town called Stockholm in Wisconsin, and 8,700 Walgreens stores across the country.
All of it is part of a Swedish heritage and an endless source of destinations, interviews, and storytelling.
YOU ARE EARTHROAMER
To withstand twelve months on the road while keeping the highest possible quality in production, regardless of weather or location, there’s really only one choice. No other would manage to host this creative caravan under such circumstances, making the timeframe a story in itself, sublimely showing the capacity of your vehicles.
I AM MARTIN
I’m a senior photographer, video maker, and POD producer, counting twenty-odd years as self-employed - a traveling storyteller used to working in the field. And I’ve got horses in the race. Looking back, there’s a clear line dividing my family’s history into almost two equal parts: those who stayed, and those who left.
I was brought up feeling half-American, with stories and tales from my father to my grandfather’s brothers, crazy uncles, and distant cousins. The United States of America is a friend I have learned to know in heart. This is a chance for me to give something back by sharing an essential part of its story.
THIS IS THE MOMENT
On July 4, 2026, your nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary - a significant event with an undeniable opportunity to do something extraordinary, either as a countdown to, a kickstart from, or as a halfway peak during the calendar year.
I believe strongly that in a world showing signs of division, it is our obligation to stay united - and what better way than to tell the stories of our joint heritage.
THE NAME
"The Letters From America" is an homage to one of Sweden’s most beloved authors, Vilhelm Moberg, and the final book of his grand epos, The Emigrants: “The Last Letter Home”.
LINKS & PORTFOLIO
Previous and ongoing productions:
Contact
MARTIN WÆRN
+46 721 686 686
martin@waern.one
SMITH JONES KB
Södermalm, Stockholm | Sóller, Isla Baleares