This free, public presentation is an opportunity to learn about Vesterheim’s collections, history, and stories. Some of Vesterheim’s most spectacular examples of folk art were sent as gifts in the 1920s and 1930s from Norwegian museums. The message that came with this gift said, “May these objects work so that the Norwegian-ness in you will not die too soon, and the connection with the homeland will because of this be tighter.”
Join Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson as she talks about this generous gift of more than 400 artifacts in wood, wool, silver, and iron.
This presentation is part of Vesterheim’s guide training series for volunteers. “Tour guides at Vesterheim engage with the museum’s many visitors, sharing the rich stories of the living heritage of Norwegian immigrants to America,” says Martha Griesheimer, Vesterheim’s Volunteer Coordinator. She emphasized that “the information is great background for our volunteers, and it will also be of interest to members of the community who want to become more familiar with Vesterheim. More information about the guide training series will be available at the lectures, or upon request. Contact Martha Griesheimer at Vesterheim, 563-382-9681, x 305 or mgriesheimer@vesterheim.org.