The Rumelva Sons of Norway Lodge and Isanti County Historical Society are teaming up for an extended showing of the “New Land, New Life: Norwegian Immigrants in Minnesota: 1825-1925” exhibit which has been traveling around Minnesota the past two years and will be set up May 14-17 at the ICHS building on the north side of the Isanti County Fairgrounds in Cambridge.
The exhibit opens with a 9:30-11 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 14 with music by the Rum River Scandiband and runs to 4:30 p.m. that day.
Sunday hours are noon to 4:30 p.m., and the exhibit remains in place 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
Art, cooking and woodworking demonstrations, along with children’s activities, will fill up Saturday and Sunday’s schedule.
According to the Minnesota Historical Society website, the exhibit explores the first 100 years of Norwegian immigration in Minnesota and is a collaboration of Ramsey County Historical Society and St. Paul Sons of Norway Synnove-Nordkap lodge.
A scholarly, historical exhibit was created consisting of 20 styrene, travelling exhibit panels which interpret primary materials and secondary research of Professors Carlton Qualey and John Gjerde on one of the earliest and larger ethnic groups to settle the Minnesota frontier. One in five Minnesotans claim Norwegian ancestry.
The event is free and open to the public. For more on the five-year old Rumelva Sons of Norway Lodge, check out its page at www.facebook.com/Rumelva or call 763-245-9188.
Schedule of Special Events
Saturday, May 14:
9:30 a.m. Grand Opening-Music by members of the Run River Scandiband.
10 a.m. Scandinavian Stories for Kids.
10:30 a.m. Norwegian Chip Carving.
11:30 a.m. Scandinavian Spoon Carving.
12:30 p.m. Cooking Demonstration: Kransekake (Norwegian Wedding Cake).
1 p.m. Rosemaling (Flower Painting).
2 p.m. Norwegian Accordion Music.
2:30 p.m. Scandinavian Flat Plane Wood Carving.
3:30 p.m. Weaving (in the Pioneer Cabin).
4:30 p.m. Closing.
Sunday, May 15:
Noon Opening- The Norwegian Violin.
12:30 p.m. Scandinavian Stories for Kids.
1 p.m. Blacksmithing (outside on the northeast).
2 p.m. Norwegian Knitting.
3 p.m. Hardanger Embroidery.
4:30 p.m. Closing.
Saturday and Sunday:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.: Children’s craft available, kubb game outside for kids and adults throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
Monday, May 16:
9:30 a.m. Opening.
4:30 p.m. Closing.
Tuesday, May 17, Syttende Mai:
(Norwegian Constitution Day)
9:30 a.m. Opening.
4:30 p.m. Closing.
6:30 P.M. Syttende Mai Celebration for Rumelva and ICHS Members.