From VGC-NL to NAGC:
Genealogical Center Becomes Separate Corporation
Vesterheim Genealogical Center/Naeseth Library (VGC/NL), located in Madison,
Wisconsin, became independent of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum beginning
January 1, 2007. At that time, it took on a new name, the Norwegian American
Genealogical Center (NAGC), with its own non-profit status, corporate articles,
bylaws, board of directors, and membership. The center remains in its current
location in Madison and will continue in its 32-year long tradition of providing
outstanding service to those researching their Norwegian roots.
The separation of genealogical services from Vesterheim Museum’s programs is the result of the deliberations of Vesterheim’s board of trustees and leaders among the genealogical center’s constituency. In October 2005 Vesterheim’s board began discussions to formulate a new long-range strategic plan for the years 2007-2012. The strategic plan is used to keep Vesterheim’s board, administration, and staff focused on the mission of the museum, on its keys to success, and on ways to improve the organization. As part of the discussion of Vesterheim’s future, a proposal was suggested to make the VGC/NL a separate non-profit organization. A board-appointed task force was then established to explore this option more fully and develop a plan of action. This plan was presented initially to Vesterheim’s board in July and an agreement was reached on proceeding with the separation. The terms of the separation were approved at the October meeting of Vesterheim’s board, and implementation was set for January 1, 2007.
Vesterheim honorary trustee Dan Huebner is serving as the chair of the
new Norwegian American Genealogical Center Board of Trustees. The NAGC board
includes several of Vesterheim’s current and former trustees. Genealogical
center board members are: Robert Anderson, Michael J. Bovre, Audrey Dybdahl,
Phil Dybdahl, Ann Gesme, Dean Gesme, David Hardy, and Eugene J. Nordby.
NAGC staff members are Blaine Hedberg, Lorraine Hawkinson, Gerald Paulson,
and Solveig Quinney. The work of the center is supported by many volunteers.
Because the newly-named Norwegian American Genealogy Center began its existence
as a separate non-profit corporation on January 1, Vesterheim encourages current
members of the VGC/NL to keep in mind that membership in the new organization
is now completely separate from membership in Vesterheim. The leadership of
the NAGC will be soliciting new memberships and renewals independent of Vesterheim
membership appeals and renewals. All genealogical membership renewal reminders
sent out after January 1 will be issued from the NAGC rather than Vesterheim,
and the rates will differ from those listed in previous membership materials
issued by Vesterheim. Genealogical Center memberships that were renewed in
2006 will remain in effect until the individual membership anniversary date
in 2007.
The board of trustees, administration, and staff of Vesterheim all wish the leadership and staff of the NAGC well as it moves forward.
Contact the Norwegian American Genealogical Center at
608-255-2224
genealogy@nagcnl.org