The Norwegian Character of Norwegian Mangle Boards Webinar

The host of this webinar is Jay Raymond, author of the book Mangle Boards of Northern Europe, which displays and describes the mangle boards of seven European countries. The mangle boards of Norway present a unique challenge to describe in that they borrow from the styles of the other six countries and, yet, maintain characteristics all their...

The Art and Crafts of Ancient Scandinavia Exhibit Closes

This exhibit showcases 21 original oil paintings by D. Sven Lindauer, which were printed in the first book of a series that he created about ancient Scandinavian history. Artist, author, and publisher, Sven Lindauer’s professional career spans over 40 years. He was the former Official Historical Artist for the U.S. Marshal Service National Museum and...

Closing Event for Art and Crafts of Ancient Scandinavia Exhibit

This exhibit showcases 21 original oil paintings by D. Sven Lindauer, which were printed in the first book of a series that he created about ancient Scandinavian history. Sven will give a gallery walk for this free closing event. Artist, author, and publisher, Sven Lindauer’s professional career spans over 40 years. He was the former...

The History of Norwegian Sweaters

Virtual Event Virtual Event

Learn about the history of different types and styles of Norwegian sweaters, including Setesdal, Fana, Marius, and Olympic from textile expert and Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson. Laurann will also discuss the symbolism behind some of the patterns and colors on sweaters made today. Be sure to invite your audience to wear their favorite sweater....

A Dying Norway – in a Living America? Exhibit Presentation

Norwegian photographer Lars Idar Waage will give a presentation in connect with the exhibit A Dying Norway – in a Living America?. Waage will first speak in Vesterheim Commons gathering space and then move to the second-floor gallery to discuss the photographs. The event is free and the Museum Store will be open until 7:00...

A Dying Norway – in a Living America? Exhibit Opens

A Dying Norway – in a Living America? Exhibit Opens on November 8, 2024. This exhibit of documentary photographs by Lars Idar Waage is a portrait of Stavanger, Illinois, by someone from 6,000 miles away in Stavanger, Norway. The tiny town of Stavanger, Illinois, in LaSalle County, is the location of the first permanent settlement...

Event Series Free Second Saturday

Free Second Saturday

Vesterheim offers free admission the second Saturday of every month. Come and enjoy the museum! Special exhibits open are listed here. There's always something new! On this Free Second Saturday, Vesterheim Commons will be closed from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The Museum Building and Museum Store, as well as the outside campus will be open as usual....

Barnetimen Children’s Hour – November

Vesterheim welcomes preschoolers and their caregivers to Barnetimen Children’s Hour. Meet in the lobby of the museum’s Main Building to explore objects and stories in the museum’s collection and make fun art. November’s program will explore fiddle making and playing traditions in Norway and Norwegian America. We’ll look at and listen to fiddles in the...

November Bokprat: Sagas of Luther College

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College's Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat (book group), discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. The November bokprat features Sagas of Luther College: Norwegian and Lutheran Identities Past, Present, and Future, edited by Dr. Maren Anderson Johnson and Rachel Faldet. Sagas...

Vesterheim From Home: Member Event 2024

Cozy up with a cup of cocoa or tea and get ready for the holiday season with Vesterheim. Vesterheim members will enjoy: • An insider update from Vesterheim President Chris Johnson, including highlights of plans for 2025 to commemorate 200 years of organized Norwegian migration to North America and updates on Vesterheim’s forging studio set to open...