Special Exhibitions
From Valdres to Vesterheim
On view beginning June 15, a new display in Vesterheim’s main museum
building will highlight artifacts from the Valdres region of central Norway.
The
display From Valdres to Vesterheim features objects for everyday and
special occasions, examples of Valdres folk art and costumes, and objects
with ties
to specific Valdres immigrant families.
During the nineteenth century, Valdres became the Norwegian region with the highest percentage of emigrants. It is estimated that by 1900, the number of Americans from Valdres equaled the number of Norwegians in Valdres (less than 20,000). Most Valdres emigrants settled in the Midwest, forming communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, including Decorah. Many Valdres descendants today still maintain a sense of connection to their heritage through family ties and organizations such as the Valdres Samband.
From Valdres to Vesterheim is installed on the second floor of the museum’s main building, and will remain on view until spring 2008.