Everything we do, every single day, depends on generous gifts to the Vesterheim Annual fund from friends like YOU! Thank you for your support.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Vesterheim is first and foremost, a community. Many among us choose to support our community with financial gifts. There are lots of ways to get involved. Choose from the many options below, or contact Diane Wagner, Development Director at dwagner@vesterheim.org to talk about your ideas.
Vesterheim thanks all of the people who have hosted so many fantastic Vesterheim events around the country! From dinners and dances for hundreds of guests to dessert for small groups in a private backyard, those who appreciate Norwegian art and heritage come together to enjoy each other’s company and share their enthusiasm for Vesterheim.
Check our program calendar for events.
Vesterheim accepts donated objects for use on the museum campus or for fundraising purposes. Examples of museum use items include tools and supplies to help in museum up-keep. Examples of fundraising items include artwork for raffles, and items and services for auctions. To discuss your gift, contact Diane Wagner, Director of Development, at dwagner@vesterheim.org or 563-382-9681.
Every year, new objects, books, or archival materials are added to the collection through the generosity of individuals and organizations. These donations help Vesterheim fulfill its mission of sharing the Norwegian-American experience.
Below is a list of items Vesterheim would like to add to the collection. If you think you have something that will enhance Vesterheim’s collection, please contact Jennifer Kovarik, Registrar, at jkovarik@vesterheim.org or 563-382-9681 to discuss the donation.
We consider our donors partners in our shared goals.
Here are ways we honor that relationship:
Valhalla Society, honoring those individuals who include Vesterheim in their estate plans
Vennskap Society, honoring those individuals whose gifts to Vesterheim’s Annual Fund total $1,000 or more during a calendar year.
Kroneklubben, honoring those individuals whose cumulative giving reaches $10,000 or more.
Annual Reports keep our investors informed about how we’ve spent their donor dollars, and give us an opportunity to say thank you to all who makes Vesterheim’s mission possible.
Vesterheim endorses the Donor Bill of Rights, created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. View the most recent Donor Bill of Rights here.
Our Commitment to Donor Privacy
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum respects the privacy of all our constituents. Your privacy is a priority and we go to great lengths to protect it. This donor privacy policy describes how we collect and use information about our donors, members and visitors. View the most recent Donor Privacy Policy here.
The Vesterheim Annual Fund provides the infrastructure to allow us to serve our four most fundamental values, that we be welcoming, good stewards, authentic, and have integrity in everything we do. Additionally, Annual Fund covers critical behind-the-scenes expenses. Here are just a few annual fund projects in recent years:
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are involved at Vesterheim, and new volunteers are always welcome. There are great opportunities for people from many walks of life. You may be able to offer a specific skill or talent, but often, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the only requirements for a volunteer task!
There is no better way to connect to our community than through the Vesterheim membership program.
Whether you run a local business or a large multi-national corporation, we’ve got a partnership package that can suit your budget and marketing goals.
Vesterheim is fortunate to have friends who express their generosity with planned charitable gifts. Learn how to include Vesterheim in your will or other long-term…
Remembering Vesterheim in your will makes the museum more sustainable, and can help you minimize your estate tax impact.
Kroneklubben
In 2000, Vesterheim launched Kroneklubben or “Crown Club” for recognizing our most generous and devoted donors. This special recognition acknowledges accumulated lifetime gifts and is essential for helping us achieve our mission. Membership in Kroneklubben is a high honor starting at $10,000 up to $29,999 for the pewter level, followed by bronze at $30,000-99,999, next is silver with a range from $100,000-499,999, then gold at $500,000-999,000, and ultimately platinum for lifetime gifts of $1,000,000 and more.
Vesterheim chose this bridal crown, drawn and interpreted by Norwegian-American artist Elisabeth Maurland, to be a symbol for its Kroneklubben. For us too, the crown represents the ties that bind us as a community, linking us to each other and to those that come before and after us. Your gifts to Vesterheim enable the museum to sustain this mission, to share a cultural legacy, for years to come.
The crown illustrated on the Kronekluben award is a part of the Vesterheim collection. It helps to tell the story of living Norwegian-American heritage that Vesterheim embodies. Bridal crowns were treasures of a Norwegian community, shared by all for marking special occasions. Crowns, like this one from Trondheim, were keepsakes, used to literally and symbolically pass along traditions. Crowns connected generations: as an older woman placed the bridal crown on the head of a young woman, she linked generations, and members of the community, in a celebration of that heritage and tradition.
Just as the bridal crown is passed from one generation to another within a community, your support ensures that Vesterheim keeps its stories alive for tomorrow’s generations. We invite you to consider a gift or pledge to become a part of this prestigious group.
PLATINUM ($1,000,000 +)
Dan F. and Bonnie J. Huebner*
Trygve Lønnebotn*
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
GOLD ($500,000 - $999,000)
J. Harry and Josefa Andersen*
Owen Bekkum*
Donna Danielson*
Charles Gulbransen*
James A. and Elaine Halls*
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Marion and Lila Nelson*
Ruth Wamstad* Estate
Barbara M. Westby*
Luther College
The Government and People of Norway
SILVER ($100,000 - $499,000)
Kenn R. Barry*
Gertrude H. Berg*
Duane and Eileen Bruening*
Bryant Foundation
Brenda and David Carlson
Decorah Bank & Trust Co.
Sallie Haugen DeReus
Amanda F. Duff*
Mary Embertson*
Clayton Engen*
Evelyn Evenson*
Newman T. Halvorson, Jr.
Jon and Mary Hart
Helen M. Heitmann*
Richard and Joann M. Harr Hemp
Edwin R. and Joan T. Hemphill*
Harriet M. Hustvedt*
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Iowa Department of Economic Development
John A. Johnson Foundation
John K. & Luise V. Hanson Foundation
Dorothy and Wayne* Johnson
Ruth Christine Johnson*
Jane and Don* Kemp
Anonymous
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
Lutheran Brotherhood
Dean E.* and Marilynn Amdal Madden
Herbert C. Madison*
Helena Naef*
National Endowment for the Humanities
Alyce I. Neetzel*
Betty R. and David T. Nelson*
Dr. Eugene J. Nordby
Nordic Brunch
Neal and Gerry Nottleson
H. Signe Ostby and Scott Cook
Ham and Suzanne Peterson
Anna Rosendahl*
Rydell-Mortenson Charitable Foundation
Michael and Diane Schmidt
Anonymous*
Ruth and Arne* Sorenson
Harold Segelstad
State Historical Society of Iowa Grants Office
Sundet Foundation
Louise and Leland Sundet
Helen (Molly) Sverdrup*
John W. Thompson
Tomson Family Foundation Trust
O. Jay and Patricia Tomson
Mike Voltmer
Ruth Wickney*
Marwin and June Wrolstad*
BRONZE ($30,000 - $99,999)
Dan Alsaker
Evy and Robert A. Alsaker
Dr. Alf Altern*
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Anonymous, Miscellaneous
Jack and Ellie Anundsen*
A.N.* and Eldrid Arntzen
Arts Midwest, Inc
Bank of the West
Helen Basler
Gladys Bertsch
Mary J. and Gerald* Boman
Eileen Borchers*
Borgen Family Foundation
Keith and Amy Bruening
Christine Tuve Burris and James F. Burris
Veronna and John Capone
Lyle and Jean Cary*
Chicago Friends of Vesterheim
Kenneth V. Dahl*
Carlin Dahler*
Philip* and Audrey Dybdahl
Joseph and Ione Ellis*
Orton L. Enstad*
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
Lowell and Audrey* Erdman
Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Eugene J. Nordby and Olive M. Nordby Foundation
Featherlite Trailers
Janet B. Figg
Ella Ager Fossum
Fred Carlson Company, Inc.
G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
Helen Garnaas*
Robert M. Granum*
GreenPoint Bank
Martha and James Griesheimer
Gundersen Health System
Hacker, Nelson & Co., P.C.
Glenn Haga*
Hagen & Kallevang P.C.
Richard and Diane Halom
Marilyn H. Hansen
David J. Hardy
Brent and Cindy Hart
Barbara and Dale Henning
Hal A. and Patricia G. Hetland
Ron E. Hovda
Howard and Eunice Hovland*
Alice Hudson*
Humanities Iowa
Iowa Arts Council
Darold E. and Carol O. Johnson
Alvin A. Johnson*
Anonymous
Madeline D. Kanner* Estate
Russell* and Ingrid Keune
Lorin H. Klemesrud*
Larry and Gail Larson
Joan Losen
Madison Friends of Vesterheim
Kate M. Martinson
Carl McConeghey*
Casey and Heather Miller
David and Linda Brekke Mona
Milma Naeseth*
National Museum of Decorative Painting
Irene and Harry Navarre*
Glenn Nelson
Olive Nordby*
Mary Ann Olsen*
Karen Owen-Tuzcu
Sonja L. Perkins
Sonja Peterson
Elizabeth Platou
Pratt – Paul D. Pratt & Marguerite Olson Pratt Fund
Kate Rattenborg Scott
Janice W. Relf*
Rochester Friends of Vesterheim
Lee and David Rokke
Jeff and Marilyn Roverud
Nick and Courtney Rowley
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Walter and Amelia Rugland
T. Eileen Russell*
Robert and Elizabeth Sande*
W.R.* and Floy Sauey
Charlene and Gil* Schjeldahl
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Philip C. Smaby*
Ingebor Husby Smith*
Sons of Norway, Valdres Lodge #1-503
Dr. Robert F. Spier*
Hazel T. Stoeckeler
C. Peter Strong*
Thompson Investment Management
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Daniel and Mary Ann Thurmer
Tollef Sanderson*
Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman
Violette I. Twedt*
Ella Valborg Tweet*
Viking Cruises
Viking State Bank & Trust
Mrs. G. H. Westby*
Dr. David W.* and Peg Wright
Harriet S. Wrolstad*
Marguerite Ylvisaker*
PEWTER ($10,000 - $29,999)
99th Infantry Battalion
A & J Petersburg Agency
Marian R. Aaker
Maynard E. and Minerva Aaker*
Aid Association for Lutherans
Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc.
Dan Alsaker
Richard and Barbara Amundson
American Car Club of Norway
Alan Anderson
Nancy E. Anderson*
David and Candace Arp
Russell and Jean Ashbaugh, Jr.*
Phyllis A. Askildsen*
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company
Augsburg Publishing House
Ray Aune*
Joan M. Barager* Estate
Helen Bruening Barbier
Dennis and Doris Barnaal
Marie Kleppe Barness*
Gordon G. and Barbara L. Bauman
Naomi Bekkum*
Bernice Rise Trust
Carol Birlkand and Tom Woxland
Arley and Beverly Bjella*
John* and Jackie Bjoin
Joan Liffring-Zug and Dwayne Bourret
Michael J. Bovre
Mette and Ed Bowen
Brekke Tours and Travel
Kenneth M. and Eleanor A. Brown*
Greg and Karen Bruening
Bruening Rock Products, Inc.
Dr. Joseph* and Ingrid Callaghan
Curtis L. Carlson*
Dr.* and Mrs. Harley Carlson
Helen Carlson*
William and Yvonne Cary
Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Birgitte and John Christianson
City of Decorah
Janet and Robert Coe
Peter Coffeen
Jane and John Connett
Karlyn Nordgaard Cross*
Clifford I. Cummings*
Dahl Family Foundation
David and Linda Mona Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Deco Products
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Mark and Vicki Donhowe
Lois Drews*
Mary M. Dunea
Janet I. and Peter J. Dyck
Darcy J. Lenzgrinden Dye
Irving R. Eittreim*
Richard M. and Nancy L. Enstad
Joyce and Edgar Epperly
Erdman Engineering, P.C.
Norman E. Erickson*
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
James and Joy Erickson
Kristine S. Erickson
Ernest M. Espelie*
Evjue Foundation, Inc.
Fidelity Charitable
Edward H. and Sandra Fish
E. T. and Marjery Fjelde
Richard H.* and Vivian Fjeldheim
Sanford* and Wilma Fosholt
Mr. and Mrs. Connor D. Freeman
Ron* and Karen Fretheim
David E. Frew*
Elsa Bettum Friberg*
Al and Rhoda* Fritsch
Helene M. Furst
Francis and Geneice Gaasedelen*
Gary and Miriam Gandrud
General Mills Foundation Gift Matching Program
William N. Georgeson*
Dean* and Ann Gesme
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Morris Gjessing
Karen and James Gray
Barbara and Eric Greenfeldt in memory of Robert & Elaine Lee*
Larry and Diane Grimstad
Glen H. and Shirley B. Gronlund
Anonymous
Gunnar and Elizabeth Gundersen*
Lawrence R. Hafstad*
Newman T. Halvorson, Sr.*
Rebecca S. Hanna
Shirley Hansen* Estate
Minnard H. Hanson*
Karyne and C. Blaine* Harstad
Carol and Paul* Hasvold
Mr. and Mrs. Roe H. Hatlen
Lawrence O. and Lois Hauge*
Haugen /Talhaug Endowment
Eva Haugen*
Kirsten Roverud Heine and David Heine
Mr. and Mrs. Orrin L. Helstad*
Darrell Henning and Terry Sparkes
Randall Hicks
Ann Highum and Gerald Freund
David and Cynthia Hill
Dana Himes and James Davis
Martha Marie A. Hoghaug*
James M. and Susan* Honsvall
Hotel-Motel tax
Hotel Winneshiek
Robert and Arlene Houlihan*
Carrie Hovland*
Stanley* and Helen Howe
David and Carol Hoyem
Gertrude Husby*
Joseph and Mary Husby*
Pearl Husby*
IBM Corporation
Connie Jacobson*
Jerry and Jo Sonja Jansen
Jay L. and Sandra O. Jensen
John W Kurtich Foundation
Dennis* and Carole Johnson
Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Inga Doris Johnson*
Ruby A. Johnson*
Jill Lendu Johnson and Joel Chapiewsky
Martin and Ruth* Johnson
Steve and Barbara Johnson
Rita and Roy Jorgensen
Ione N. Kadden*
Ellen Kerbs
Esther Kittelson*
Iva Kjerland*
Heyn and Sandy Kjerulf
Knut Utstein Kloster*
Mrs. Lewis Kranick*
Earl Kruse*
Theodora H. Kubly*
Karen Kuhlman
Severt and Mary Kvamme
Mrs. Nordis Landsverk*
Paul and Dianne Larson
Merlin and Margaret Lee*
Dorothy and Maurice Leon*
Phyllis Leseth*
Joan M. Leuenberger
Barbara and Clark Lewey
Martha Y. and James W.* Limburg
Anne and Scott Lindblom
C. Paul and Marlys Lindholm*
Paul and Justine Lionberger*
Leif and Mary Lomo
Prof. Carl R. Loper, Jr. and Jane L. Loper*
Norman Lorentzsen*
Mr. and Mrs. William O. Lyders
Magnhild and George Madsen
Dennis Magnuson
Daniel and Ann Mansfield
McGraw-Hill Companies Foundation
Elsie Melby*
Meredith Corporation Foundation
Kirk and Renee Mies
Clifford M. Miller
Esther R. Miller*
Mobil Foundation Inc.
Grace O. Molloy*
Peder and Jeanne Moren
Nancy and Fred Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mork*
Alida Motland*
Michael K. Musgrave
David L. and Ann Nelson
Harland and Corinne* Nelson
John and Arlene Nelson
Marlin P. Nelson
Elsie Ardis H. Norlander*
Frieda* and Ronald Nowland
Nuveen Investments
Sharon B. O’Hara*
James R.* and Marilyn Olin
Alfred D. and LaDelle Olson*
Connie Osmundson*
Terje Ostby
Barbara and Osmund* Overby
Sherman Oyen*
Helga Lund Parsons*
George J. Pedersen
Brit Aabakken Peterson*
Anonymous
Janet Blohm Pultz and Vaughan M. Pultz
Martin W. Reinhart
Lorie Reins Schweer
Barbara and Alan Rennie
Georgia and Finn Roed
Wayne A. Rohne
Jerry Rosholt*
Robert and Lucille Rosholt*
Brynhild C. Rowberg*
Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Minneapolis
Eleanor Rud*
Brian and Karen Rude
Marion Rude
William O. Running*
Ruth Rupp
Beverly J. Saboe
Lyle and Lucille Sacquitne*
Helen and Edmund Scherer
Kathleen Bergan Schmidt
Neil and Ruth Schraeder
Selmer Corporation
Rebecca and Robert Shaw
Peter Shields and Ace Werner
Julia Shima*
Silos and Smokestacks
Gerald R. Sime*
Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Skaugstad
W. David and Kaaren T. Slawson
Dianne Enger Snell
Mrs. Lloyd H. Snively*
Barbara Solberg*
Else M. Solberg
Narvel A.* and Marilyn Dahlen Somdahl
Sons of Norway Foundation
Sons of Norway, Concordia Lodge #6-070
Stanley Engineered Fastening
Janice Stewart*
Kathleen M. Stokker
Muriel B. Stone
Gilman M. and Helen C. Storlie*
Henry Strong*
Robert and Frances Sundt
Anonymous
Lucile G. Swenson*
The John R. Cross Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation
Thomas A. Woods, Ph.D., Making Sense of Place, Inc.
Arnold and Marian Thompson
Jack Thompson*
Donald A. and Virginia Tollefson*
Henrietta P. Torgerson*
Trollheim Building Corporation
James and Nancy Ulring
Ingeborg L. Ulvestad*
Vanberia International Gifts LLC
Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program / The Tuzcu Family
Dean and Carol Vigeland
Voltmer Electric
Joann Voltmer
Walmart
Mr. and Mrs. William K. Wangensteen
Boyd Wasson
James and Caroline Weis
Robert and Lois Wellvang*
Dr. Lorraine Westerberg*
Patricia T. White
William and Kathi Wild
Vincent and Verla D. Williams
Winneshiek County
Winneshiek County Development & Tourism
Sue P. Wrolstad
Vennskap Annual Fund Giving Society
Vennskap, Norwegian for “friendship,” is a new society at Vesterheim that recognizes those who have given generously throughout the year to the Vesterheim Annual Fund. The Vesterheim Annual Fund is the lifeblood of Vesterheim and the work that takes place each and every day to fulfill our mission. It is with deep appreciation that we recognize the following donors – our dear friends – whose gifts to the Vesterheim Annual Fund totaled $1,000 or more from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021.
Vennskap solely recognizes and celebrates unrestricted gifts to the Vesterheim Annual Fund. Gifts-in-kind, campaign gifts, membership gifts, and endowment gifts are not counted toward Vennskap Society totals. Donors in Vennskap will be recognized annually on our website, along with other special appreciation opportunities.
Monthly giving is a great way to be part of Vennskap each year. With a monthly gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund of just $84, you will earn a place in the Vennskap Society!
AbbVie
Jana Agrey
Kristen and Laura Akre
James and Kathleen Almelien
Fred Ambli
Richard and Barbara Amundson
David and Candace Arp
Dennis and Doris Barnaal
Mary Jo Boman
Michael J. Bovre
Bonnie Lerum Bruce
James Bullard
Christine Tuve Burris and Dr. James Burris
Veronna and John Capone
Brenda and David Carlson
Janet and Robert Coe
Dahl Family Foundation
Andrew and Jamie Dahl
Harry and Carla Dahl
Jansen and Kimberly Dahl
Tyler and Michelle Dahl
Daughters of Norway, Valkyrien Lodge #1
Decorah Bank & Trust Co.
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Dragonfly Books
Anne Ronning Duff
Darcy J. Lenzgrinden Dye
Dave and Carol Elfstrand
Richard and Nancy Enstad
Lowell P. Erdman
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
Kristine S. Erickson
Peter and Kari Espinosa
Michele and Logan Esposito
Janet B. Figg
Tom Fjelde
Lois Fleming
Ella Ager Fossum
Karen L. Fretheim
Gary and Miriam Gandrud
Morris Gjessing
Carole and Steve Goodale
Dr. H. Gaylon and Hannah Greenhill
Larry and Diane Grimstad
Ben and Padrin Grimstad
Rev. Glen H. and Shirley Beito Gronlund
George and Joann Hagen
Karl N. Hanson
Jon and Mary Hart
Jerry and Sally Haugen
Jeffrey and Kelly Haugen
Phyllis Helland
Barbara and Dale Henning
Karen and Lynn Herche
David and Cynthia Hill
Dana Himes and James Davis
Donald and Doris Hoganson
Dawn Svenson Holland and Josh Holland
Robert M. Holter
Ronald E. Hovda
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Jay and Sandra Jensen
John K. & Luise V. Hanson Foundation
Paul Johnsen
Darold and Carol Johnson
Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Rhonda and Kenneth Kekke
Jane Kemp
Kristine and David Kratz
Karen Kuhlman
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
Lathrop GPM Foundation
Paul and Dianne Larson
Fred and Nancy Lee
Leif Lomo
Joan Losen
Petra Luke
Edward Lund
Marilynn Amdal Madden
Dennis Magnuson
Daniel and Ann Mansfield
Marilyn Martinson
Kate M. Martinson
Meredith Corporation Foundation
Kirk and Renee Mies
Sylvia C. Munsen
Glenn Nelson and Jane Borelli
Melany Stinson Newby*
Bradley and Laura Nichols
Anna and Russell Norris
Neal and Gerry Nottleson
Gerald and Joan Olsen
Sonja L. Perkins
Ham and Suzanne Peterson
Elizabeth Platou
Barbara G. Raddatz
Linda Reed
Beth and Jon Rotto
Jeff and Marilyn Roverud
Brian and Karen Rude
Marion Rude
Walter and Amelia Rugland
Beverly J. Saboe
Kevin and Leslie Sand
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Karen Sheppard
Dianne Enger Snell
Marilyn Dahlen Somdahl
Sons of Norway, Valdres Lodge #1-503
Sons of Norway, Wergeland Lodge #2-21
Judy and Gary Stinar
Muriel B. Stone
John W. Thompson
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman
Verdandi Lodge, #3, I.O.S.
Viking State Bank & Trust
Joann Voltmer
Diane and Steve Wagner
John J. Ward
Michael Ward and Stephanie Adamson
William and Kathi Wild
James L. Wilson and Pamela D. Toler
Signe Wrolstad-Forbes and Casey Forbes
*Vennskap Donor who passed away in 2022. Vesterheim is grateful for the generous support and friendship they shared with Vesterheim in 2021.