“A Norwegian Presence on the American Landscape”
Darrell D. Henning Curator Emeritus Vesterheim Museum

Event held at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main St, Spring Grove, MN

During the 19th century over 800,000 individuals left Norway bound for America. The majority settled on farms and in rural mid-west communities. They brought with them the tools to make textiles, food-related utensils, and the tools of the woodworker, blacksmith and farmer. But most importantly, they brought their knowledge of how to use these tools in their traditional manner and create the things they fashioned with them. The homes and other buildings they constructed represent both a survival of traditions and an adaption to their new physical and cultural environment.
Wherever Norwegians settled and established communities, the landscape is dotted with the homes, barns and other buildings, creating a visual Norwegian footprint on the built landscape. This program will examine both the origins of several building types and the changes wrought over time.

Sunday April 15, 2:00 Punch, Coffee and Treats reception to follow program

Sponsored by Giants of the Earth Heritage Center and Sons of Norway Valheim Lodge