Heritage Grains in Contemporary Agriculture

Scandinavians have been using small grains like rye and barley since the Viking age, but how did these grains end up as part of the Norwegian Immigrant story? Join expert...

Sacred Symbols: The Folk Art of Norway Presentation

Join Daughters of Norway Eva Nansen Lodge in Des Moines, Iowa, and Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson! The meeting will be held in-person at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue,...

Free Second Saturday – September

Vesterheim offers free admission the second Saturday of every month. From June through October, there will be an indoor tour of the museum’s Main Building at 11:00 a.m. and an...

The Power of Silver: Traditional Norwegian Jewelry

For centuries, Norwegians have treasured the beauty of silver. Silver showed the prosperity of a family, and, according to folk belief, could cure sickness in humans and livestock, improve crops,...

Knitting Nordic Heroes

From Merit Emstad who designed the first Selbu mitten to emigrants from the Nordic countries, knitters made an economic impact. These women helped give a sense of national pride, they...

Barnetimen Children’s Hour – September

Vesterheim welcomes preschoolers and their caregivers back to the museum for Barnetimen Children’s Hour. The first program is Tuesday, September 19, at 10 a.m. Meet in the lobby of the...

Bokprat: The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat, discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. Join us in...

Vesterheim Commons Celebration

Join Vesterheim to celebrate the opening of the new Commons building with numerous activities from September 23-October 1, both onsite and online! There will be free museum admission the entire...

Online Gallery Talk with photographer Randall Hyman

Enjoy Vesterheim’s exhibition, Sámi Dreams: Portraits of Resilience in the Norwegian Arctic, from home with an online presentation by exhibit curator Randall Hyman! During the talk, Randall will tell the...

Travel to Norway with the Hoinesses in 1908

Be transported back in time through words and photos from a 10-week-long trip Andrew and Elise Hoiness took to Norway in 1908. Using visuals from postcards as well as the...