Norwegian-American Heritage Day 

Growing up with Swedish and Norwegian grandparents with a dash of Danish thrown in for balance, Eric Dregni thought Scandinavians were perfectly normal.  Who doesn't enjoy a good, healthy salad (Jell-O packed with canned fruit, colored marshmallows, pretzels and even olives) or perhaps some cod soaked in drain cleaner as the highlight of Christmas?  In Vikings in the Attic, Dregni tracks down and explores the significant - and quite often bizarre - historic rites, tales and traditions of Scandinavia's peculiar colony in the Midwest. It's a legacy of the unique - shots of turpentine for the common cold - but also one of poor immigrants living in sod houses while their children attend college, the birth of the co-op movement, and government agents spying on Scandinavian meetings hoping to nab a socialist or antiwar activist.

Join us in celebrating our shared heritage with Eric's highly entertaining observations of what makes Norwegian-Americans a unique ethnic group, enjoy a Norwegian-themed luncheon with Nordic musical entertainment, learn more about the special collection of archival holdings at NAHA and enjoy a preview of upcoming events surrounding next year's 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll.

Schedule of Events

10:30 a.m. - Registration opens

11:00 a.m. - Eric Dregni, author of Vikings in the Attic and In Cod We Trust

12:00 Noon - luncheon is served

Menu:  Aquavit Salmon Gravlox Salad with Charred Brussels Sprouts, Caper Vinaigrette, Brioche Croutons, Mixed Greens, Cucumbers, Pickled Cipollinis, Fresh Bakery Rolls with Butter, Dessert, Ice Tea, Coffee and Ice Water.

1:00 p.m. - Short program about the Norwegian-American Historical Association including our unique archive collections, and the bicentennial of the Norwegian Constitutional Convention in 2014.

Registration Fee - $20.00 per person