In This Issue: the Puzzle of the Two Ole Sveinsens/Svendsens Or, the Need to Verify Your Information • a Look Back: by Carol A
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VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 2 | SPRING 2017
In this issue: The Puzzle of the Two Ole Sveinsens/Svendsens Or, the need to verify your information • A Look Back: by Carol A. Culbertson, Senior Researcher, NAGC & NL Gerhard Naeseth reflects Note: Full titles of all sources are provided in the list of sources at the end of this article. The following story is a perfect example as to why it is so important to verify all information you find while doing • Notes from the Naeseth your genealogical research. Verification also needs to be done for all those great stories that have been passed down Library from one generation to the next. When a family story is published, and that publication is used by other authors as a source, misinformation may find its way into the work of many other researchers. • Recent Acquisition When Eunice Peterson of Sheridan, Wyoming, visited Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, Decorah, Iowa, in 2015, the information below was given to her about her great-grandfather, Ole Sveinsen. It was found in a Donors database the museum has for Norwegians who served in the Civil War. The original information for this database was researched and provided to the museum in 2003 by Jerry Rosholt, author of Ole Goes to War, Men from Norway • In Memoriam: Who Fought in America’s Civil War. That book was a companion volume to Vesterheim’s 2003 exhibition called “Norwegians in the Civil War.” Bjarne Breilid Svendsen, Ole - IA 13th Inf Co G. Residence: Estherville, Emmett County, Iowa. Born “Ole Svendsen Øyo” on Philip G. Dybdahl 20 May 1829 in Hallingdal, Hol, Buskerud, Norway, son of Svend Olsen Skrattegård and Gro Olsdatter Breihagen. Married on 18 Oct 1853 to Astrid Julsdatter Hoverud.He came to America in 1847. Worked as a teamster. Moved Barbara A. Freet in 1854 to Moscow Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin. Civil War: Age 24. Drafted. Reported to Fort Dodge on 20 Oct 1864. Private. His regiment was part of General Sherman’s 17th Army Corps. Took part in the Victory Dorothy Leon Parade in Washington, D.C. Discharged from the service 21 Jul 1865. Post war: Ten children. Moved from Iowa to Northwood, Grand Forks County, Dakota Territory, in June 1879. • New Board Members Sources: “Frontier Mother, the letters of Gro Svendsen”, NAHA, 1950 1885 Special Census, Dakota Territory • 2017 Olive Nordby Cards WPA North Dakota Historical Data Project Naeseth 47-1001 According to Eunice Peterson, the entry above included information for two half-brothers: one named Ole Sveinsen, born 20 May 1829 on the Breihagen farm in Ål, Buskerud, Norway (later lived on the Øyo farm with his mother and step father), referred to as “Ole 1” in this discussion. The other was Ole Sveinsen Skrattegård, born 29 May 1840 on the Save The Date! Skrattegård farm in Ål, Buskerud, Norway, who will be referred to here as “Ole 2.” These boys shared the same father – Svein Olsen Skrattegård. Ole 1 was the son of unmarried parents, Svein Olsen Skrattegård and Gro Olsdatter Breihagen; Plans are underway for our and Ole 2 was the son of Svein Olsen Skrattegård and Birgit Olsdatter. annual benefit dinner, organized Because Eunice was so emphatic about errors she felt were in this Civil War information, I wanted to investigate and by the Madison-area Friends of verify for her and for my own curiosity – to set the record straight for future researchers about the two Ole Sveinsens NAGC & NL, to be held at the (Svendson). Blackhawk Country Club The original research done by Jerry Rosholt was consulted. It contained the following information: In Madison on Svendsen, Ole IA. Residence: Estherville, Emmett County, Iowa. Born “Ole Svendsen Skrattegaard” in Hallingdal, Sunday, 7 May 2017 Norway. Married Gro Nilsdatter. They came to America in 1862. Civil War: Drafted. Reported to Fort Dodge on 20 October 1864. Private. His regiment was part of General Sherman’s 17th Army Corps. Took part in the Victory Parade in Washington, D. C. Discharged from the service. Ten children. See page 3 for details. Rosholt’s source also reports that Ole was from Ål, Hallingdal. Civil War: Private. Lived at Northwood, North Dakota. Sources: Nordmændene i America, p. 332. Veterans, Civil War, p. 986 These two entries are correct for Ole 2. The underlined sentences in the longer entry above were later added to Rosholt’s original, and these added sentences are information about Ole 1. You may be asking how the information to the Civil War database was changed between the time Rosholt published his original findings in 2003 and the Peterson visit to the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in 2015. The answer is that updates were made by museum staff periodically as people submitted additions and corrections. (It is no longer possible to make changes to Vesterheim’s database because it was put up in 2004 and cannot be accessed by current computer programs.) Because of Eunice’s concern that the correct information be published, I decided to re-explore the two Oles in an effort to sort out what information was correct for each of the two half-brothers. The following research was done in sources held in the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library collection, Civil War records, federal census records, and Norwegian church records. Continued on page 4 Greeting from the Board of Directors
Best wishes for a happy spring season to NAGC members across the country. This issue of “Norwegian Published two times a year by Tracks” is about many of the great people who contribute so much to the success of the Norwegian Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) American Genealogical Center. We begin with a wonderfully-instructive article by our senior researcher, 415 W. Main Street Carol Culbertson. Containing a mystery about two half-brothers named Ole, this piece is a perfect Madison, WI 53703-3116 example of the difficulties encountered in genealogical research and how the staff at NAGC can help 608-255-2224 www.nagcnl.org solve family puzzles. Carol, who has been associated with NAGC in many different ways since 1983, Sent to members of NAGC & NL demonstrates the careful and resourceful way to go about unravelling an ancestor’s tangled life story. For membership, contact: Norwegian American Genealogical Center On page ten of this issue, we are pleased to introduce three new NAGC board members. Invited by & Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) acclamation at our February 2017 board meeting, all three of these candidates have now accepted terms 415 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703-3116 of service on the NAGC board of directors. Between them, they offer a shared and profound interest 608-255-2224 www.nagcnl.org in genealogical research and Norwegian heritage. These new board members take places vacated by the [email protected] retirement of Ann Leon of Madison and Ellen Vollebaek of Oslo, both of whom retired after having ______served full terms of service as established by our by-laws. Both Ann and Ellen were part of the original The purpose of this publication is to assist and board that was established in 2007 when NAGC became an independent, non-profit organization. Ann encourage genealogists with Norwegian and Norwegian-American genealogical questions. Leon and Ellen Vollebaek have been, and continue to be, important advocates and supporters of our mission for Norwegian and Norwegian-American family history, and we offer sincere thanks for their Norwegian Tracks is the sole possession of NAGC decade of close involvement with NAGC. & NL. All rights are reserved. No reproduction by mechanical or other means without written We also have news about NAGC staff changes. Our librarian, Kathleen Olson, retired at the end of permission from the editor. We endeavor to respect copyright in a manner consistent with our December 2016, after serving here since 2008. With volunteer time donated before that year, Kathleen nonprofit educational mission. brought great familiarity with the collections of the Naeseth Library to her position. Her successor in that part-time position is Stephen Drake – whose active volunteering in the Naeseth Library led to his Letters concerning genealogical inquiries for Norwegian Tracks should be sent to Norwegian new position as library services specialist. Retired from a career in book selling, book publishing, and American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library art gallery management, Steve brings his experience as a book person and his status as the descendant of (NAGC & NL) 415 W. Main Street, Madison, WI Norwegian ancestors. 53703-3116 This issue (pages 8 and 9) also offers tributes to four extraordinary people whose lives have ended, but Norwegian Tracks occasionally solicits or accepts unsolicited copy and artwork for publication. whose legacies live on. Each of their stories is varied and impressive -- these short histories remind us of Written material is subject to editing for length, the remarkable individuals from many walks of life who believe in and support NAGC . grammar, and accuracy of content. As a rule, no compensation will be given for any accepted Please take a look at the inside back cover (page 11) that contains the description and order form for the material. NAGC & NL reserves first serial publication and reprint rights, but releases all other rights 2017 Christmas and note cards, taken from images created by our patron, the late Olive Jensen Nordby. for subsequent publication back to the author or Many thanks are due from all of us, not only for Olive’s artistry, but also to Olive’s family. Dr. E. J. artists. Nordby and Dr. Jon J. Nordby continue Olive’s generosity by granting permission for the reproduction of the images taken from her beautiful, hand-colored, woodblock prints. The Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library is an educational non-profit research center with national and international We are all excited at the prospect of our upcoming annual benefit dinner, organized by the Madison-area scope. The Center collects, preserves, shares, and Friends of NAGC & NL, and being held this year on Sunday, May 7th. Folk music will once again interprets resources for the study of Norwegian be our program; this year we welcome Minnesotans Renee Vaughan and Jon-Anders Persson, who will heritage. perform lively pieces on the hardingfele/fiddle and the nyckelharpa. To honor one of the Madison- To carry out this mission, the Center provides: area committee members who had a special affinity for folk music, this event is being dedicated to the • The Naeseth Library, located in memory of Philip G. Dybdahl. This eleventh annual benefit dinner Madison,Wisconsin, where resources will take place at Madison’s Blackhawk Country Club. Tickets devoted to Norwegian and Norwegian- through April 23rd are $55 per person, $60 thereafter. Please call American genealogy are collected, preserved, shared, and interpreted; 608-255-2224 to reserve, or email us via [email protected]. We hope you can join us for this festive gathering. • Assistance, interpretation, education, and research by trained staff to members, patrons, and correspondents; With many thanks for your continuing interest in and support for our mission to discover, preserve, and share information for all those who • Continuing education and outreach for genealogists and the public worldwide treasure their Norwegian roots, through cooperative information exchanges, .publications, tours, displays, seminars, and merchandise sales.
NAGC & NL is open to the public Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please telephone ahead, 608-255-2224. An appointment is needed to ensure staff availability and record accessibility.
2 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 An evening in memory of Philip G. Dybdahl The Madison-Area Friends of the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library Eleventh Annual Benefit Dinner and Program Sunday, May 7, 2017 Blackhawk Country Club, Madison, Wisconsin
4 p.m. social gathering and silent auction 6 p.m. dinner and program
Welcoming the wonderful folk music duo called Rävlek Renee Vaughan, nyckelharpa Jon-Anders Persson, hardingfele/fiddle
Rävlek offers folk music with traditional Scandinavian roots and a contemporary feel. This dynamic duo has enjoyed great success in performances throughout Minnesota and at Høstfest. We are pleased to host their first appearance in the Madison area.
Claiming to be fueled by “polska and Norwegian cod liver oil,” Renee and Jon-Anders promise an evening of bondpolskas, as well as dance tunes ranging from waltzes to schottisches. Renee will share a brief history of the nyckelharpa, the traditional stringed instrument originating in the 15th century. There are superstitions and folklore surrounding the nyckelharpa as well as the musicians that have played it. Renee also traces the history of recent Norwegian polkas back to a nyckelharpa player from the early 1900’s. This should be a most entertaining and enjoyable musical program.
The evening is dedicated to the memory of Phil Dybdahl (1936-2016), who was an NAGC board member, committee member, patron, and friend to NAGC. Phil’s wit, musicality, and his generosity in sharing his love of folk music created many memories of joy and admiration for his wide circle of friends.
Tickets are $55 per person through April 21st, $60 thereafter. Please call 608-255-2224 or email [email protected] to reserve your place today.
NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 3 le le veinsen reihagen yo Lukris, born 2 April 1843 O 1 ---- O S B /Ø Source: Digital Archives – Church records for Ål, Buskerud, Norway: Ål First, we will look at Ole 1, Ole Sveinsen, born 20 May 1829 on the Breihagen farm Ministerialbok nr. 15 (1825-1848), Utflyttede 1846-1849, page 361, 1847. in Ål, Buskerud, Norway. Sources: The Swenson Family of Iowa and Dane Counties, Wisconsin 2. U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865, Ancestry.com Glimpses into the Families of Ole Sanderson Øyo, Gro Olsdatter Breihagen, Svein This record verifies that Ole 1 was registered at the same time as his half- Olson Skrattegaard and Bergit Olsdatter Kjellargaard brother Lewis. No record was found verifying that he was actually drafted. Norwegian Immigrants to the United States, NAGC & NL The record is for the 3rd Congressional District, and includes the counties of Ål bygdesoge Iowa, La Fayette, Green, Crawford, Grant, and Sauk in Wisconsin, enumerated during the month of June 1863. All of these sources agree with the following information: Record reads: “Moscow, Iowa County, Wisconsin, Ole Swenson, 34, 1. Ole 1 is the son of unmarried parents, Svein Olsen Skrattegård and Gro farmer, married, born in Norway and (his ½ brother?) Louie O. Sanderson, Olsdatter Breihagen 24, farmer, married, born in Norway” 2. Ole 1 immigrated to Wisconsin in 1847 with his mother and step-father, Ole Sanderson The authors of Glimpses into the Families of Ole Sanderson Øyo, Gro Olsdatter 3. Ole 1 married Astri Julsdatter Hoverud Breihagen, Svein Olson Skrattegaard and Bergit Olsdatter Kjellargaard (1985) also 4. They farmed in the Moscow Township of Iowa County, Wisconsin. noted that they were not able to verify that Ole 1 actually served in the Civil War. 5. They had ten children born in Moscow, Iowa County, Wisconsin:. The record that has the two brothers confused with each other states that Ole enlisted 6. Ole 1 and Astri died in a tornado that swept through Southern Wisconsin at age 24. That would not be Ole 1. He would have been about 35 years of age, not 24. on 23 May 1878.
Now, for the big question: did Ole 1 serve in 3. U.S. federal census records for 1870 include the following family living the Civil War? in Moscow, Iowa County, Wisconsin: “Ole Swenson, 41, farmer, Julia 34; Ole 14; Margaret 12; John 10; George 8; In 1978, Maynard Swenson co-authored “The Julia 6; and Edward 2 Ole and Julia were born in Norway; the children were all Swenson Family of Iowa and Dane Counties born in Wisconsin. Wisconsin.” His story was included about Ole 1 being in the army in 1865 and stationed at Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin. This source says that: after Ole 1 served some time, he found a replacement, paid the replacement Ole 2 ---- Ole Sveinsen Skrattegård, $300, gave him his rifle and uniform, and the elder walked home. Source: Now for the Ole Sveinsen, born 29 May 1840 on the Skrattegård farm in Ål, The Swenson Family, p. 8 Buskerud, Norway:
Maynard Swenson was also a source for the All of the same sources agree on the birth date, parents’ names, wife’s name, and place 1986 publication: Glimpses into the Families of of residence for Ole the elder. They also agree on his Civil War History. Ole Sanderson Øyo. Here, the authors noted Ole 1, Ole Sveinsen Breihagen that they were not able to verify Ole 1’s Civil 1. Ole 2 is the son of Svein Olsen Skrattegård and Birgit Olsdatter War service in the Federal Archives. 2. Svein Olsen Skrattegård left the Ål parish of Norway for America, with Source: his wife and six children. This was recorded on 8 March 1862 in the Glimpses…, p. 43 parish books. Their eldest son, Ole 2, immigrated with his parents and his new bride, Gro Nilsdatter, from Ål parish, Buskerud, Norway, to Volume three of Norwegian Immigrants, published in 2000, also records that Ole 1 America in 1862. “served briefly in the Civil War; and that Ole and Astrid died in a tornado on May Sources: 23, 1878; their burial was in the Perry Lutheran Cemetery, Wisconsin. They had The Swenson Family, appendix A several children.” One of the sources for this information was from the Swenson Glimpses..., p. 32 Family history- hence the reference to the Civil War. Source: 3. Ole 2 and Gro Nilsdatter had ten children Norwegian Immigrants to the U.S., vol. 3, p. 73 4. They lived in Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa 5. Information taken from letters that Gro sent home to her parents Now, you can see how this story has been included in four publications that have used includes Ole 2’s experiences in the Civil War. According to her, Ole 2 information provided by Maynard Swenson about Ole 1’s service in the Civil War. took part in the Civil War under General Sherman and participated in at least one battle. 6. Gro died and Ole 2 sold the farm and went to live with his brother Sevat Verification of Information for Ole 1 in Goose River (North Dakota), with his nine children and uncle Aslak and Margit Opsata. Ole 2 married Birgit O. Gjeldokk (1832-1919). (Gro 1. Norwegian church records yield the following information about Ole 1: and Birgit were cousins) Source: Ole Svendsen (Sveinsen) Breihagen (Svendsen Øyo) was born 20 May 1829, Bygdebok for Ål, volume BI, p. 720 on the Breihagen farm in Ål, Buskerud, Norway, son of bachelor Svend Olsen Skrattegård and Gro Olsdatter Breihagen” Sources: Verification of Information for Ole 2 Digitalarchives – church records for Ål, Buskerud, Norway, Ål parish register (official) nr. 15 (1825-1848), birth and baptism records, 1829, page 29. 1. Norwegian church records yield the following information about Ole 2: In 1847 the following family registered with the church that they were leaving Ole Svendsen Skrattegård (Ole 2) was born 29 May 1840 on the Skrattegård the parish: farm in Ål, Buskerud, Norway, son of Svend Olsen Skrattegård and Birget Ole Sanderson Øyo, 46 Olsdatter Gro Olsdatter, 42 Source: Ole Svendsen, born 20 May 1829 (Ole 1) Buskerud county, Ål, parish register (official) nr. 15 (1825-1848), birth and Lars, born 13 November 1838 baptism records 1840, page 103, #84 Birgit, born 6 February 1842
4 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 Bachelor Ole Svendsen Skrattegård (Ole 2) 21, son of Svend Olsen, married reported that her husband took part in the Victory Parade in Washington, D. C. young woman Gro Nielsdatter Gudmundsrud, 21, daughter of Niels Knudsen, As you can see, it is extremely important to verify all information you find while on 7 April 1862 in Ål, Buskerud, Norway. working on your research project. The story of the Two Oles is a perfect example Source: of how incorrect information provided by one person finds its way into the work Buskerud county, Ål, parish register (official), nr. 16 (1849-1864), marriage of other people. This also is a good example of why one should not rely on several records, 1862, page 159, #15 sources that have used the same source containing information that could be in error.
On 8 March 1862, the following family registered with the church as departing This also demonstrates how difficult it is when several people share the same name. for America: Even more confusing in this case was that Ole 1 and Ole 2 shared the same father. Svend Olsen Skrattegård, 62 Another difficulty was that mother Gro for Ole1 and wife Gro for Ole 2 were often wife Birgit Olsdatter, 47 confused with each other. son Ole elder (Ole 2) born 22 May 1840, 22 Ole Svendsen younger, born 26 May 1842, 20 You may have noticed the different spellings that have been used for the name Engebret Svendsen, born 22 June 1844, 18 Swenson: Sveinson, Sveinsen, Svendsen, Svenson, and Severson appeared in the Sigri Svendsdatter, 13 various records found for both of the half-brothers. This is very confusing when Sevat Svendsen, born 18 January 1850, 12 trying to verify information. Iver Svendsen, born 4 June 1853, 9 registered 7 April – Gro Nilsdatter Gudmundsrud, 21 Family stories are great! But so many of them have changed with their telling from (traveling with Ole Svendsen the elder-Ole 2) one generation to the next. For this reason, it is important to verify these stories as Source: well. Buskerud county, Ål, parish register, official records, nr. 16 (1849-1864), emigration records 1861-1864, page 282, #3-10 and #20. Special thanks to Eunice Peterson for her permission to share this fascinating family history. 2. U.S. Federal census records include Ole 2 and Gro farming in Estherville, Emmet “Personal knowledge derived from oral history deserves at least the County, Iowa, in 1870. They had 5 children same respect and standing as other kinds of knowledge. Like any born in Iowa. By 1880, Ole 2 was a widower and living in Northwood, Grand Forks, Dakota source, it should be fully cited and fully evaluated. More than other Territory; and, in 1900 and 1910, he and Berget kinds of sources, it presents individual vagaries related to memory, (second wife) were living in Washington, Grand understanding, and context.” Forks, North Dakota. --Melinde Lutz Byrne and Thomas W. Jones Editors, National Genealogical Society Quarterly 3. 1890 Special Schedule for E.D. 54, North Dakota, for persons who served ources in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of S the United States during the war of the 1. Ål bygdesoge, Slektssoga, Thor Warberg, volume VI, 2008, pages 720 & 721 & Vol VIII, 2008, page 195 rebellion (who are survivors), and widows 2. Digitalarchives – Church records for Ål, Buskerud, Norway Buskerud county, Ål, of such persons, in Northwood, Grand Parish register (official) nr. 15 (1825-1848), Birth and baptism records 1829, page Forks County, North Dakota, June 1890: Ole 2, Ole Sveinsen Skrattegård 29 (Ole 1) Line 1: Ole Severson alias Ole Svenson, Buskerud county, Ål, Parish register (official) nr. 15 (1825-1848), Birth and baptism Private, Company G, 13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, enlisted 26 October 1864, records 1840, page 103 # 84 (Ole 2) discharged 21 July 1865, served 8 months and 25 days Buskerud county, Ål, Parrish register (official) nr. 16 (1849-1864), Marriage records 1862, page 159, #15 (Ole 2) Also, Data compiled by Historical Data Systems of Kingston, Massachusetts: Buskerud fylke, Ål, Ministerialbok nr. 15 (1825-1848), Utflyttede 1846-1849, page Ole Severson, Iowa, age 24, enlisted 2 October 1865, private, Iowa, survived war, 361, 1847 (Ole 1) Buskerud county, Ål, Parish register (official) nr. 16 (1849-1864), enlisted in Company G, Iowa 13th Infantry Regiment, on 26 Oct 1864. Mustered Emigration records 1861-1864, page 282, #3-10 and #20 (Ole 2) out on 21 Jul 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky, born about 1840. 3. Eleventh census of U.S., Special Schedule, Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, Source: and widows, etc., E.D. 54, North Dakota, Grand Forks County, Northwood, Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion Ancestry.com. 4. Federal census records found on Ancestry.com 4. Letters written by Ole 2’s wife Gro to her family in Norway published in 5. “Frontier Mother, the Letters of Gro Svendsen,” The Norwegian-American “Frontier Mother, the Letters of Gro Svendsen.” Historical Association, 1950. University of Wisconsin Memorial Library (F629 E7 S923 1979 ML) 6. Glimpses into The Families of Ole Sanderson Øyo, Gro Olsdatter In conclusion, it appears to me that great-grandson, Maynard Swenson, could be the Breiehagen, Svein Olson Skrattegaard and Bergit Olsdatter Kjellargaard, source for the incorrect information about Ole 1 serving in the Civil War. It would Compiled by Joan L. Ekern Axdal, S. Jean Sanders Ekern, Vivian T. be interesting to know where he heard the story or how he came to his conclusion. Everson Sardeson, December, 1985. Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library (CS 71 .S62987 1986). Pages 29-32, 43. Ole 1 appears to have lived in Wisconsin all of his life. He appears in the 1860 7. Historical Data Systems, comp. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861- federal census in Iowa County, Wisconsin, and his children were all reported to have 1865, Ancestry.com. been born in Wisconsin. That would rule him out as being the Ole in Rosholt’s work 8. Nordmændene I America, Their History and Record, Martin Ulvestad, and the one described in the 1890 special census. Minneapolis, MN, 1907, part 1, page 332. Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library (E184 .S24 U3 pt.1) Ole 2 lived in Estherville, Iowa, at the time he was serving in the Civil War. He 9. Norwegian Immigrants to the United States, A Biographical Directory, 1825-1850, later moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he lived with his second wife. volume three, 1847-1848, 2000, by Gerhard B. Naeseth, edited by Blaine Hedberg, He appears in the 1870 federal census in the postal district of Estherville, Emmet page 73, #1001 (Ole 1) County, Iowa. By the time the 1880 federal census was taken, he was a widower 10. The Swenson Family of Iowa and Dane Counties Wisconsin, compiled by Vivian and appears to be living in Northwood, Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. The 1900 E. Sardeson and Maynard J. Swenson, 1978. Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library (CS 71.S94 1978) pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, appendix A & and 1910 federal census records include him as married to Berget and living in family group sheet Washington, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 11. U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865, Ancestry.com 12. Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage The record that has the two mixed together states that Ole was 24 years of age when Center, Decorah, Iowa, Civil War Database, Svendsen, Ole he enlisted. That would have to be Ole 2. We know that Ole 2 did serve under 13. Veterans, Civil War, printed 18 December 2001, Norwegian American General Sherman from his wife’s letters that she sent home to her parents. She also Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library - MSS Shelf .0092 (pages 979 & 986) NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 5 From Dream to Reality: A Look Back
From 1974 to 1988, Gerhard Naeseth, ran the genealogical center But this will soon change. My word-processor will be delivered this he created out of his basement home office. This was the foundation afternoon. As soon as I have become accustomed to its operation, my of what today is one of the leading genealogical research centers in plan is to dedicate four hours a day to the preparation of volume one of the country. Recently, we have come across a copy of an unusual my biographies so as to be ready for the photo-offset. Obviously, this will letter, written by Gerhard in 1982, which describes in some detail reduce my time available for correspondence and other activities. As a matter of fact, that time will be reduced even more as I spend time in the those early days. This letter serves to remind us how much we owe libraries checking my references and other data. to Gerhard Naeseth’s contribution and how far our organization has come in the last 35 years.
Writing to a correspondent in Philadelphia on 23 April 1982, Gerhard notes:
You ask me something about my work area. Let me start by saying that, five miles from our home, there are two great libraries that complement the holdings of our genealogical center. One is the Memorial Library of the University of Wisconsin, which has one of the largest collections of Norwegian local histories in the United States, as well as much other helpful material.* The other is the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Gerhard Naeseth's office, 1977 with an excellent genealogical collection, a strong book collection of American history, extensive microfilm files of census records and old The material in my study and the microfilm and microfiche in my library newspapers. So, as I describe my own materials, keep in mind that I use office are available for anyone to use – by appointment -- since I have all of these resources heavily. the “key.”
My work area is my study in our home. Two walls, floor to ceiling, are Is my work area and my operating routine satisfactory? All is working book shelves. The books include more than a hundred family histories; rather well. However, I don’t have enough time to perform it all… about a hundred Norwegian local histories; the current telephone books for Norway; the publications of the Norwegian-American Historical Some time ago, one of my correspon- Association and many other Norwegian-American historical books; dents asked me what I would do with transcripts of the Norwegians in most of the census records for 1850, a million dollars. My first thought was 1860, 1870, and 1880; transcripts of about 250 Norwegian-American that such a sum would be too much. cemeteries; copies of a number of Norwegian-American church records But, if such a sum were invested, the through 1900; passenger lists, complete through 1850, and partial for income would go a long way toward some later years; and lists of emigrants taken from Norwegian church providing physical space away from records. my home; further equipment, such as a copying machine; secretarial and A third wall has six letter file cases, well-filled with correspondence on research help; and a considerable ad- genealogy. Included is a card file, indexing pre-1851 immigrants from dition to our book collection. Nothing Norway, some cemetery indexes, and other files. I have just ordered a wrong with dreaming! word-processor, which will take its place by the side of the files. I will Milma and Gerhard Naeseth be using this new machine to prepare for publication (photo-offset) five volumes** of biographical material on pre-1851 immigrants; as well as a I know that you will forgive my becoming somewhat autobiographical in number of lesser projects. The fourth wall has an extra electric typewriter, responding to your question. I don’t do this too often. a book truck – and wall space for various awards that have come my way. I should add that I have inspired a research group in the Norwegian I must not forget the fact that I have an office also in the University Genealogical Society, based in Oslo, to begin a compilation of a card file Library, where I have about thirty reels of Norwegian microfilm, a listing all possible names of emigrants to America, up to 1900. They are microfiche copy of the 1801 census for Norway, with indexes; and a making one copy for themselves, and one for me. The first shipment of microfiche copy of the 1874-1924 passport record for Bergen. a thousand cards has arrived. Such a file will be of considerable help to My daily routine has been to spend the morning in the libraries persons (and there are many) who do not know where in Norway their downtown, doing various research errands, usually on behalf of persons people came from. who have written to me. Then home for lunch and reading the mail, the afternoon and evening for answering correspondence. Needless to say, Well, enough for today! Yours very sincerely, there are many exceptions: church choir, Sunday church, activity in a number of organizations (mostly Scandinavian), mowing the lawn and Gerhard B. Naeseth other household activities, copying cemeteries, etc., etc.
*Since Gerhard Naeseth served as the associate director of the Memorial Library for 30 years, from 1948 to 1978, he was in a unique position to help build up the very resources that he is describing. ** Upon completion in 2009, these five volumes stand as a landmark in the scholarship of immigration history. They are: Norwegian Immigrants to the United States: A Biographical Directory, 1825-1850.
6 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 Recent Acquisitions Two New Webinars and a New We offer our sincere thanks to the donors listed below who gave research materials for the Naeseth Library during the period from Video for www.nagcnl.org September 2016 through February 2017. NAGC’s Jerry Paulson and Diane Maurer have been busy this winter! In New Family Histories February, they collaborated on creating two new webinars, now available free on the NAGC website. Drawn from content developed by Jerry • Naomi F. Bekkum, Madison, Wisconsin Paulson over his long career, these two new webinars provide researchers • Kirsten Benidt, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with a load of helpful information: • Paul Lerohl Elson, Ridgefield, Washington • Stan Hultgren, Eugene, Oregon • Carolyn Johnson, Kiel, Wisconsin History, Farms, Communities, Clerical Districts, • Ann M. Legreid, Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Counties of Norway • Karl Nelson, Sheboygan, Wisconsin • Harold S. Ulvestad, Shorewood, Minnesota • Shirley Walker, Mission, British Columbia, Canada Norwegian-American Church Records Yesterday and Today
New Norwegian Local Histories & Reference Our website also now offers a new video devoted to explaining the • Ann M. Legreid, Shepherdstown, West Virginia unpredictability of Norwegian naming patterns. Starring humorist • Eugene J. Nordby, Madison, Wisconsin Bill Amundson and researcher Sarah Asp Olson, this new film offers • Sons of Norway, Norse Valley Lodge, Appleton, Wisconsin entertainment and instruction. The puzzling mysteries of Norsk names • Patricia Sorteberg, Franklin, Tennessee are made visual by the use of diagrams and family group cartoons. This video is an amusing complement to our webinar called “Norwegian Other Research Materials • Bloomsbury USA Publishers, New York, New York Naming Patterns” that is also available on our website. All of this new • Liv Paulson Norderhaug, Eden Prairie, Minnesota content helps clarify the complexities of how Norwegians and Norwegian • Sons of Norway, Norse Valley Lodge, Appleton, Wisconsin Americans chose their names.
For a complete listing of authors, titles, and subjects of these Stay tuned in the months ahead for additional webinars and new acquisitions, please consult our website, www.nagcnl.org in videos, all available free on our website. our “Research” section, and follow its drop-down box to select: “Recent Acquisitions.” NAGC webinars and videos are made possible If you do not have Internet access, please phone us at 608- by the generous support of 255-2224 to request a copy of this new acquisitions list. We thank our many generous donors for helping build the research The Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation, Inc., collections at the Naeseth Library. Stoughton, Wisconsin.
Sons of Norway Cultural Skills Program Comes to the Naeseth Library
During February, a group of genealogical researchers visited NAGC by special arrangement through NAGC board member, C. Marvin Lang. Professor Lang, who is active in his Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Vennligfolk Lodge, and also a director of Gudbrandsdalslaget, arranged to bring seven of his lodge’s members here for a day of genealogical research. The group, aided and assisted by NAGC staff members, Solveig Quinney and Carol Culbertson, as well as volunteer Carolyn Love, made progress in their family history investigations while also earning points in the Sons of Norway Cultural Skills Program.
Consider arranging a mid-week or special Saturday seminar day for your group at NAGC. The all-day seminars are limited to fifteen persons, and include a tour of the Naeseth Library and its collections, as well as instructions on naming patters, farm names, language and terminology, church record organization, and other topics. NAGC’s extensive collection of high-quality Norwegian maps are also a popular attraction. For more information, email genealogy@nagcnl. org or telephone 608-255-2224. The NAGC staff enjoys welcoming special research groups by appointment.
Back row, from left: C. Marvin Lang, Glenn Aavang, Mark Hansen, and Rich Sommer. Front row, from left: Lynn Rasmussen, Karen Trzebiatowski, Judy Pesanka, and Elaine Anderson.
NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 7 In Memoriam During the past months, the NAGC Board of Directors and Staff have mourned the deaths of several remarkable persons. Each in his or her own way was a vital part of our membership and a friend of special standing.
some dried fish chips to share with my colleagues. Unfortunately, they were not as enthusiastic about eating dried fish chips as I was (in Iceland it is a popular snack, especially when out hiking). But Bjarne was thrilled and thanked me profusely. Another time, I brought back fish from Norway that one of my cousins had caught and dried. And again Bjarne was thrilled to receive it. My husband Richard and I would pick Bjarne up to attend a dinner that was held every July by a group visiting from Bjarne’s part of Norway. Rasmus and Arne Sunde, two brothers from Balestrand, would bring a group to visit areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa that had been settled by Norwegians who, for the most part, were from the same area where Bjarne grew up. Bjarne would tell the group about growing up Bjarne Breilid in Norway and stories about some of the characters that he had come in (1919-2017) contact with as a young man in Norway. The last dinner we attended Bjarne was honored with a standing ovation. Born in the village of Fresvik on the southern shore of the Sognefjorden in Sogn og Fjordane, Bjarne Breilid immigrated to the Bjarne had many friends both here and in Norway. He would often tell United States when he was 28 years old. With only a third-grade us about the wonderful care his neighbors would extend to him. We at education, Bjarne went to college and graduated Phi Beta Kappa the Norwegian American Genealogical Center will miss his expertise, his from the University of Wisconsin-Madison – a clear reflection of his kindness, his helpfulness, but most of all his friendship. extraordinary intellectual gifts. With his keen interest in languages, Bjarne was associated for many years with NAGC as translator of old Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and German. His translation work benefitted family history researchers from around the country who came to NAGC for assistance. For his memorial service, Solveig Quinney wrote the following about her friend and colleague: I met Bjarne when I first started working at NAGC & NL about 15 years ago. Bjarne was our translator and, although he always worked from home, he was very much a part of the Center. He was also a freelance translator and had clients from all over the country. Bjarne’s expertise was translating archaic Norwegian and German documents. He also translated articles, books, and letters written in both Nynorsk and Bokmål, the two languages of Norway. Bjarne would also bring in his wood carvings for us to sell at the Center: Philip G. Dybdahl beautiful pieces of inlaid wood, a clock, a pencil holder, letter openers, (1936-2016) and more. Few people enjoyed and treasured Norwegian heritage as much as Phil Bjarne and I became good friends from the start. At the beginning, I Dybdahl. A most engaging combination of sophisticated urbanity think it was because of our common country of origin. Bjarne was from and backwoods-manship, Phil’s legendary wit kept his many friends the northwestern part of Norway and I was from the southwestern part. constantly entertained and delighted. But he always complained that he could not understand me when I spoke Together with his spouse Audrey, Phil was an NAGC charter Norwegian – he said it was my dialect; and then I told him that I had member and patron. Both the Dybdahls served as founding board a hard time understanding his dialect, too. If any of you are fluent in members of NAGC when it became an independent organization in Norwegian you know what I am talking about. So, we would carry on 2007. Giving freely of their time, talent, and treasure, team Dybdahl half in Norwegian and half in English. always supported the annual NAGC benefit dinners with volunteer Bjarne was always full of advice. In his later years, he started writing work, donations, silent auction gifts and purchases, special table a blog. He would write about the political climate both here and in decorations, and by the formidable power of their advocacy for our Norway, about climate change, eating habits, politicians, cultural organization. differences between the urban and rural Norwegians in Norway (one of Phil loved people. This trait was amply displayed when, as an NAGC our favorite topics), and anything else of interest that popped up in the board member, he volunteered to head up a telephoning campaign: news. cold calling to chat with members about the worthiness of support One time, after I had returned from a trip to Iceland, I brought back for NAGC. His gifts of engagement were awe-inspiring, and many
8 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 NAGC friends still remember charming telephone conversations “During her tenure as Treasurer, Barb won an Innovation Award for initiated by Phil Dybdahl. the development of the Treasurer’s Satellite Office, which she opened in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation. She also Born and raised in Vermont Township, near Black Earth, Phil worked to develop a centralized purchasing system for Black Hawk knew more about the Norwegians in the neighborhood and about County, and was part of a team that developed a state-wide property tax Madison-area resources -- heck, he knew everyone. He was a and vehicle licensing website.” particularly valuable link, putting potential donors into NAGC’s Very active in the Iowa State Association of County Treasurers, line of vision. His entrepreneurial talents and his wide circle of Barbara also found time to join her spouse, Richard Freet, in active friends were wonderful help to NAGC, especially in its first days of cattle farming; they became founding members of the Midwest independence. Longhorn Association. And there was also a little something extra-special: Phil’s love of In sending a lovely memorial for her mother to NAGC, Jodi Freet music and his passion to perform. His career as half of the hilarious wrote: Ole and Sven singing duo, first with David Nelson and later with Gary Smithback, amused many audiences for over 30 years. It was “As you know, Mom was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage, all about generosity – Ole and Sven were often on the road, providing and worked for years to trace her family’s genealogy. I have very fond memorable musical performances to help non-profits near and far. memories of her joy when she’d receive letters from Gerhard Naeseth or And an evening at the Dybdahl home often included some guitar Blaine Hedberg with some newly discovered piece of information. I take strumming or piano playing that drew everyone present into song comfort in the belief that her passing has allowed her to meet her ancestors and mirth, almost always with inimitable Norwegian-American – all those who have gone before and who contribute to the heritage she so flavor. deeply honored. Truly, my heart knows that she has made it to Valhalla, and is enjoying the tales of her Viking ancestors.” People loved Phil. With his passing, the Norwegian-American community has lost one of its most charismatic leaders. Hospitality, musicality, personality, conviviality…he had it all.
Dorothy Skogen Leon (1917-2017) Barbara A. Freet As we go to press with this issue of our newsletter, we learned of (1940-2016) the death of our Life Member, Dorothy Leon. Mrs. Leon, whose esteemed life spanned a century, leaves a legacy of friendship, Born in Decorah, Iowa, Barbara Ann Johnson Freet was the daughter citizenship, and loveliness. Together with her spouse Maurice and of proud, sturdy Norwegian Americans. During her career as their daughter Ann, Mrs. Leon was generously supportive of NAGC entrepreneur, business woman, and mother, Barbara was passionate and always interested in its mission for family history and service to about genealogy. What started as a quest to find family that her the Norwegian-American community. immigrant grandparents had left in Norway continued into a life- long hobby to trace her lineage. Never able to visit her ancestral Active in PEO, the Gudrid Reading Circle, VASA, and Bethel farm in Norway, she nevertheless established and maintained Lutheran Church, Mrs. Leon counted many among her friends, communication with several of her Norwegian cousins. She shared notably the late Olive Nordby and Gerhard Naeseth’s sister, Louise her love of genealogy with her children and honored her heritage Naeseth Hubbard. Her love of her Norwegian heritage inspired through her support of NAGC, where she was a charter member. others. When Maurice Leon died in 2007, she wrote: “Maurice was Her family designated that memorials for Barbara be sent to NAGC, most interested in the success of the Center…he wasn’t Scandinavian, in recognition of her devoted interest in family history. but when he married into my Skogen family, he became a very good one and he loved it.” Her exceptional career began when she became owner, editor, and publisher of the Evansdale (Iowa) Enterprise newspaper. With an Born in Minneapolis and raised in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Mrs. Leon impressive commitment to community service, Barbara was best supported NAGC with many donations and through her faithful known for her 22 years as the Black Hawk County Treasurer, elected attendance at our annual benefit dinners. Her smiling face and in 1988, the first woman to serve in that position. Her obituary charming nature will be greatly missed. notes: NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 9 New Board Members At their meeting in February 2017, the Board of Directors unanimously elected three candidates to join them in their work for NAGC & NL. We extend a hearty welcome to each of these new Board members.
Robert M. Fossum Earning his B.S. from the University of Iowa and his D.D.S. from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Johnson holds Dr. Fossum is professor emeritus in the department of mathematics, a Fellowship in both the Academy of General Dentistry and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where his university International College of Dentistry. He has also served on the Dean’s career spanned 44 years. Dr. Fossum and his spouse Robin have Advisory Council with the Marquette School of Dentistry. been members of NAGC since 2008, and they now reside in Chetek, Wisconsin, north of Dunn County where Dr. Fossum’s father was The Johnson Family enjoys time at their family cottage in Northern born and raised. Wisconsin and on Florida’s Gulf Coast. On his business website, Dr. Johnson lists his interests as bicycling, fishing, hunting, and Born in Northfield, Minnesota, Dr. Fossum has a DNA profile Norwegian genealogical research. that shows he has 99.9 percent northern European roots, mostly Scandinavian. His father managed the bookstore at St. Olaf College. His two female grandparents were born in Soknedal, Sør-Trøndelag, Kenneth Larson and his mother’s father was born in Sokndal, Rogaland. He speaks Mr. Larson and his spouse Kathy live in Batavia, Illinois, where he Norwegian with a Danish accent, having lived in Norway as a is a senior architect for Hewlett Packard’s HP Enterprise Business, Fulbright scholar in the late 1960’s and in Denmark for about six specializing in information technology services, strategic management years. consulting, and systems integration.
Graduating from St. Olaf College in 1959, Professor Fossum received Born in Chicago, Mr. Larson is a third generation Norwegian his Ph. D. in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1965. American and has always maintained a close relation to his roots. As He is President of Trønderlag of America and is currently on the a student of genealogy for much of his adult life, his web genealogical board of directors of the Waldemar Ager Association, the board of records include 32 generations of his Norwegian ancestors. Mr. the Chetek Area Museum Society, and the board of the Red Cedar Larson’s great uncle was Lars Fr. Nuland, who authored in Norway Symphony. He is a member of Sons of Norway and Norwegians the notable Bygdebok for Gyland in 1960. While building up his Worldwide (formerly Nordmanns Forbundet). collection of family history and bygdebøker from the Vest Agder and Valdres areas, Mr. Larson also maintains contact with his second Professor Fossum is very interested in Norwegian genealogy and has cousins in Norway. He has visited family farms and subfarms in the expressed that interest by serving on NAGC’s Advisory Council since Gyland area, as well as family locales in the Valdres valley of Oppland. 2007. He and his spouse have also attended many of our annual He maintains the family records of the Gyland Family, descendants NAGC benefit dinners through the years. He is a member of Det of his maternal grandmother’s parents, and is looking forward to the Kongelige Norske Videnskabers Selskab, a Fellow of the American family reunion in Dane County next August, and to celebrating the Mathematical Society, a Fellow of the American Association for the reunion’s centennial. Advancement of Science, a recipient of a St. Olaf College Alumni Achievement Award, and he is also a Northfield High School Relating to his paternal side, Mr. Larson has been a member of the Distinguished Alumnus. Valdres Samband for a dozen years, and has contributed articles to their Budstikken publication. Scott R. Johnson Mr. Larson has served as secretary, and is now corresponding Dr. Johnson has been a partner in Madison’s Dental Health secretary, of the Chicago Torske Klub, where he has been a member Association since 2000. Living in Madison since 1984, he and his since 1976. He is also an individual member of the Chicago Chapter spouse Wendy are originally from Kenosha. of the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been members of NAGC since 2007. Since Dr. Johnson began research into his family history in 2014, he has quickly become a good friend to NAGC. He became a member of NAGC, engaged in research here many times, and also volunteered Don’t Forget! to appear in two of our online videos, where he eloquently helped convey the importance of our organizational mission. Recently, he 22-29 October 2017 Norwegian Genealogy Research Tour has also donated a framed document that commemorates the time he to Salt Lake City with NAGC’s Jerry Paulson spent with his family in Oslo during Syttende Mai 2014.
Dr. Johnson’s grandfather was born on the island of Kvitsøy, very Reserve your place today for this genealogical research trip to near where Solveig Quinney’s cousins live today, and not far from the world-famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Stavanger where Solveig was born and spent her childhood. In the course of their research together, Solveig and he have become good For more information, contact Jerry Paulson at 608-255-2224 friends. or at [email protected].
10 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 NEW FOR 2017 Olive J. Nordby Hand-colored woodblock print Norwegian Fjord Horses Adapted as a Christmas or note card 5 x 7 inches, with envelopes Printed greeting inside: God jul og godt nyttår Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Also available as a note card with blank interior 20 cards with 20 envelopes/package The artist wrote about her inspiration for making this image: Norwegian fjord horses are so beautiful and, I think, kind of a unique horse...They are so sturdy and they can climb around ver y well. Steep places don’t mean anything to them. That’s why I made a group of horses in the rocks.
Garden Miscellany – variety of 4 Olive Nordby images Back by popular demand!
Olive J. Nordby Hand-colored woodblock prints Iris, Spring Sentinels Summer, & Bloodroot Cards are 5 x 7 inches 5 cards each of 4 images 20 cards & envelopes/package
Iris Spring Sentinels Summer Bloodroot
NAGC & NL Members: ______Package/s of Norwegian Fjord Horses –Christmas card with greeting @ $25.00 per package $ ______Package/s of Norwegian Fjord Horses – Note Cards (blank interior) @ $25.00 per package $ ______Package/s of Garden Miscellany – Note Cards (blank interior) @ $25.00 per package $ ______Non-Members: ______Package/s of Norwegian Fjord Horses –Christmas card with greeting @ $30.00 per package $ ______Package/s of Norwegian Fjord Horses – Note Cards (blank interior) @ $30.00 per package $ ______Package/s of Garden Miscellany – Note Cards (blank interior) @ $30.00 per package $ ______Postage & Handling: 1 to 2 packages of cards, add $8.00; 3 or more packages, add $15.00 Postage & Handling $ ______— For international postage, please contact [email protected] — ~ Checks should be drawn on a U.S. bank, and made payable to NAGC & NL. Total amount enclosed: $ ______~ For credit card orders, please complete the following: ____ American Express ____ Discover ____ MasterCard ____ Visa
Credit card # ______Expiration date ______
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City ______State ______Zip code ______Phone ______(required for cr edit card orders) Return your completed form to NAGC & NL, 415 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703-3116 You may also place your order through the NAGC e-Store at nagcnl.org, or by phone at (608) 255-2224
NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017 11 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI Norwegian American Genealogical Center & PERMIT #1069 Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) 415 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703-3116
2017 Class Schedule Classes are filling up – make your reservation soon! Beginning Norwegian Genealogy June 7 – 8, 2017 Personalized Advanced Genealogy NAGC Research Staff by Arrangement If you are just beginning your family history project, or have some experience with family research, but have not worked with This is an intensive session with Center researchers for anyone Norwegian records, this popular class is designed for you. who has hit the brick wall in research and needs additional help. (Enrollment deadline: May 30, 2017.) Individual assistance is for two six-hour days. Call the Center to make an appointment. Writing Your Family History NAGC members: $240 – non-members $275 July 12 – 13, 2017
This class is offered to those who would like to write their family histories in a way that is clear, enjoyable, and permanent. (Enrollment deadline: June 27, 2017.)
Cost is $125 per class for NAGC members or $150 for non-members
Jerry Paulson, Naeseth Chair for Research and Publication at NAGC, will be the instructor for the classes.
All classes are held in the Ostby Education Center on the second floor at the Genealogical Center. Please note: there is no elevator. The advanced session is a hands-on class at the Center on the first floor.
NAGC reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. For additional information, please contact Jerry Paulson at [email protected], or at (608) 255-2224. 12 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 2 • SPRING 2017