Library and Archives

Vesterheim Museum has two library collections, both of which reflect the focus of the museum itself.

In the Fladager Reference Library, the visitor will find over 5000 books for researching topics related to Norwegian and Norwegian-American history and culture, fine art and folk art, and the emigration/immigration story. Many books showing examples of traditional Norwegian rosemaling, woodworking, metalworking, and weaving will be of special interest to the artist and researcher. The Fladager Reference Library is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. All books must be used on site, the collection does not circulate. If research assistance is needed, please contact the museum to schedule an appointment.

The Preus Special Collections Room contains over 4000 books brought by Norwegian immigrants when they came to America, or published in the Norwegian language in the U.S. for the immigrant audience. The special collections reflect the interests and values of the immigrants especially in the areas of religion, literature, and transfer of language. The Special Collections are accessed 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the assistance of a librarian. All books must be used on site, the collection does not circulate. To schedule an appointment, please contact the museum.

Vesterheim also houses an extensive archives collection of photographs and documents that relate to Norwegian-American immigrant history, as well as archival materials that relate to the museum's artifact collection, history, and operations. Vesterheim's archives are available for research by appointment Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please contact the museum at least two weeks in advance to schedule an appointment.

Call Jennifer Kovarik at 563-382-9681 or email info@vesterheim.org to schedule an appointment.

To search an online catalog of archival collections at Vesterheim Museum and Luther College, please go to nordic.luther.edu.