The Art of Innovation with Anna Eide

Vesterheim is excited to pair the Innovators & Inventors exhibit with a free lecture series that will bring together some of the most creative and inspiring Norwegian-American leaders, thinkers, and artists working today. After a career as a studio artist in Norway, Anna Eide joined Corning Glass Works in 1987 as head of the design team for...

An Artist’s Journey with Carl Homstad – Part 3

We want to share the exhibit An Artist’s Journey: Carl Homstad, 50 Years with you wherever you are! Join artist Carl Homstad for video tours of the exhibit followed by live Q&A sessions. This retrospective exhibition covers 50 years of Carl's work. It focuses on journeys – his travel journey, his journey as a career...

In Trunks, Hands, and Hearts

Vesterheim members - Join Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson to explore the immigrant experience through stories associated with artifacts in Vesterheim’s collection. Between 1825 and 1980, nearly one million Norwegians left for new lives in America. We'll consider the reasons for leaving, what they brought, and where they settled. Vesterheim members Bob and Mary Lake...

In Trunks, Hands, and Hearts

Join Sons of Norway Nor-Win Lodge # 1-505 and Vesterheim Collection Manager Jennifer Kovarik to explore the immigrant experience through stories associated with artifacts in Vesterheim’s collection. Between 1825 and 1980, nearly one million Norwegians left for new lives in America. We'll consider the reasons for leaving, what they brought, and where they settled. Vesterheim...

The History of Norwegian Sweaters

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. This is an open meeting of the Grand Rapids Sons of...

Rocks and Hard Places

Vesterheim is giving an online presentation for the Washington DC Sons of Norway Lodge. Vesterheim Preident/CEO Chris Johnson will speak about the photography of Knud Knudsen. Why do people leave their homes in search of a better life? Look for answers in the dramatic black and white photographs of Knud Knudsen, considered one of Norway’s...

FamilieTid: How To Get Along With The Hulderfolk (Online)

With Arna Rennan. More than just stories from ancient folklore, the belief in the Hulder Folk is alive and well in the high grazing areas of Northern Gudbrandsdalen. It is a centuries-old belief that serves as an explanation for the mischief that occurs on farms as well as the practices for the protection of animals...

Vesterheim’s Strong Roots and Bold Future

There are always exciting things happening at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Learn about Vesterheim's history and strong roots, and find out the latest news about exhibitions, events, and programs at Vesterheim. Finally, you'll hear about Vesterheim's vision for a bold future and the exciting new Vesterheim Commons building project. This is an open meeting. Visitors wishing...

Free Second Saturday – Story Time

Join Marcia Fox for story time! She'll feature fun stories for early ages, including How to be a Viking and I Wish – Maybe, I Wish for a Winter Time. Marcia Fox has spent 42 years in education, including as an instructor of English, German, and as a media specialist. She loves connecting with youth...

The History Of Socks (Online)

With Susan Kolstad. Join Vesterheim and the Three Rivers Fibershed for an exploration of the history of socks. The evening's presentation will cover socks in Vesterheim's collection and will include information about their construction, style, and mending.This program is free of charge. Registration is required and available here.

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day

A Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people on Saturday, September 17, 2022, to Vesterheim Museum. In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone...