Childhood

It's your last chance to see this popular exhibition. A closing reception is scheduled for April 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with free admission. At 1:30, there will be a gallery talk in the Childhood exhibition led by Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim's Registrar and Youth Educator, who co-curated the exhibition with Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator. At 2:30, artist Carl Homstad will guide visitors through another Vesterheim exhibition, A Sense of Place.

Childhood is about the lives of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century children. The exhibition is on view through April 21, 2013, in the Hauge Gallery on the third floor of the museum’s Main Building. Childhood is sponsored by Ham and Suzanne Peterson, Ruth Fjelstad, Sons of Norway, Kristiania Lodge #1-47, and Sons of Norway, Solglimt Lodge #1-547.  The exhibition is curated by Laurann Gilbertson, Vesterheim Chief Curator, and Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim Registrar and Youth Educator.

The exhibition showcases many interesting and rarely displayed historic photographs and objects from Vesterheim’s collections. Many toys and other personal items of Norwegian-American children are on view, as well as some unusual items, such as a Victorian combination potty chair and high chair. The objects and photographs are arranged by themes, which include “Coming Over,” “At School,” “At Play,” “At Work,” and “At Home.” Children and adults are invited to explore further through interactive stations in each theme area, such as packing an immigrant trunk and playing with old-time toys.

“We think this exhibition has a little something for everyone and will appeal to visitors of all ages, said Kovarik. “I hope adults find themselves remembering their childhoods and children find themselves exploring their own childhoods.”

“We have purposely grouped the objects and photographs in relatable themes and asked questions at each of the interactive areas to encourage family members to discuss and share ideas and memories,” she added.