Dick and Joann (Harr) Hemp have been devoted stewards of Vesterheim for many years. The Hemps’ involvement with Vesterheim developed through their connection with their beloved alma mater, Luther College. “We have always been impressed by Vesterheim’s centric role for Norwegian-American immigration history and folk art nationwide,” shared Dick. “Another important draw to us was Joann’s family’s strong Norwegian heritage and devotion to its culture.”

Dick and Joann have contributed to the museum in countless ways. Loyal Vesterheim members since 1974, they have been generous supporters of the Vesterheim Annual Fund and most recently supported the Strong Roots | Bold Future Campaign at a named space level in Vesterheim Commons. Strong believers in the importance of endowment support, the Hemps established the Richard C. and Joann M. Harr Hemp Family Endowment at Vesterheim to strengthen the collaboration between the museum and Luther College – specifically the Luther College Nordic Studies program – by supporting student interns from Luther working at Vesterheim. Through their ongoing generous giving to Vesterheim, the Hemps have received their Silver Kroneklubben designation for cumulative lifetime giving. Dick and Joann are also members of Vesterheim’s Valhalla Society for including Vesterheim in their estate plans.

Living a life of service to others has also been important to the Hemps. Dick served on the Vesterheim Board of Trustees from 2011-2019. When reflecting on his years as a Vesterheim Trustee, Dick shared, “It was an honor to serve with so many wonderful colleagues. We undertook some major initiatives that were game changes in strategically advancing the museum.” A retired Senior Vice President with the Maytag Corporation, Dick’s business and marketing acumen and ability to make strategic high-level connections were assets to the work of the board at a transformational time in the history of Vesterheim. “It was good fun to play a part in the 2011 Royal Visit to Decorah and Vesterheim and to serve on the Building Committee that resulted in a marvelous partnership with Snøhetta in designing Vesterheim Commons,” he said. Another point of pride for Dick while serving as a Vesterheim Trustee was being part of the Marketing Committee under the leadership of Former Trustee Neal Nottleson. This committee partnered with Snøhetta to create a distinctive new visual identity and branding plan for Vesterheim.

Always a connector, Dick was instrumental in building and developing Vesterheim’s relationship with Viking Cruises, the #1-rated cruise line in ocean, river, and exposition cruises worldwide. Through his careful nurturing of this relationship, Vesterheim has developed a lasting partnership with Viking that has evolved into Vesterheim now welcoming hundreds of visitors to campus each summer as part of Viking Mississippi River Cruises’ Privileged Access® day trip from the port of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

The Hemps consider supporting Vesterheim as a rewarding way to serve others and agree that membership is a great way to start. “Becoming a member is a pleasurable and easy way to become more involved,” commented Dick. “We especially suggest giving gift memberships to introduce others to Vesterheim. People are always amazed at the rich offerings and benefits they receive through their Vesterheim membership.”

“Vesterheim offers such outstanding and fun learning opportunities for lifelong learners of all ages,” said Joann. “We believe in Vesterheim’s mission and strategic vitality serving all backgrounds, yet staying true to the unique Norwegian immigration story, its culture, and ongoing connectivity with Norway today.”

Vesterheim is grateful to the Hemps and their living legacy of generosity and building connections that have helped shape Vesterheim into the organization it is today.

One of the many benefits of their Vesterheim membership that the Hemps have especially enjoyed using over the years is the NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association) benefit. The NARM benefit is available to Vesterheim members at the Friends membership level and above and allows members to receive free or discounted admission and other discounts at over 1,000 cultural institutions around the country.

Learn more about NARM and the many other benefits you receive as a Vesterheim member.