Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
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Image: a title banner for

Skål! Scandinavian Spirits
Heritage Hall
through October 8


Skål! Scandinavian Spirits shares the history and traditions of drinking culture in the Scandinavian countries, and begins to explain how those traditions were carried into the U.S, focusing on two drinks in particular: beer and aquavit, a distillate that means "the water of life."

Scandinavians have brewed beer for over 1,500 years. In pre-Christian times, the Norse god Odin was even credited with teaching humans how to brew beer, influencing the role of beer in worship and offering. Beer was also a major component of battle victory celebrations and sometimes drinking challenges. In the 1500s, distilled liquor proliferated throughout the Nordic countries, first highlighted as a tonic or medical cure-all and subsequently growing into a popular social and recreational custom. These early distillates often possessed terrible flavors, so herbs and other plants were used to improve the taste - a process that brought about aquavit.

From the Museum of Danish America, we bring you 
Skål!

Skål: Scandinavian Spirits is presented by Aalborg and Linie Aquavits. The exhibition was organized by the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa.

* * * * *

Also, join us for Scandinavian Cocktails and Skål! on Tuesday, July 24, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Hjemkomst Center. Museum of Danish America curator Tova Brandt will lead an exhibition tour at 6:30PM and Proof Artisan Distillers will be on hand serving both samples and cocktails, heavy on the aquavit. Click here for info & tickets. 


Image: a detail of Olaus Magnus's woodcut, "The Great Drinkers of the North," from his "Histories of the Northern Peoples" (printed in 1555).
Image: a Swedish 1922 poster from Albert Engstrom encouraging Swedes to vote against alcohol prohibition. The artwork highlights the Swedish custom of eating crayfish over drinks.
Image: a collection of 19th century Norwegian ale bowls and pitchers.
Image: a closeup of a Norwegian ale goose and rams' head ale bowl.
Image: a collection of Carlsberg Group merchandise. Carlsberg Group is a global brewer based in Denmark with a portfolio of popular beer brands.
Image: a Swedish-American flat plane carving of a drunk man holding a bottle. Swedish folk art was employed for social and political causes among new Swedish-Americans, including arguments for and against the prohibition of alcohol.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission
    • Hours and Location
    • Staff & Contacts
    • Board of Directors
    • Accessibility & Accommodations >
      • Site Map
    • Employment
    • HCSCC Supporters
  • Visit Us
    • Accessibility & Accommodations
    • Events >
      • Pangea 2023
      • History On Tap!
    • Exhibitions >
      • Ihdago Manipi
      • Downtown Moorhead: 150 Years of Change
      • Through Television’s Lens: The WDAY TV Negative Collection
      • Ralph's Corner Bar
    • The Hjemkomst >
      • Be More Colorful VR Tour
      • The Hjemkomst Ship Gallery
    • The Hopperstad Stave Church >
      • Be More Colorful VR Tour
    • Comstock House >
      • Comstock Hours and Admission
      • About the Comstock House
    • Bergquist Cabin
    • Viking Connection
    • Field Trips/Tours
  • Shop
    • Heritage Gift Shop
    • Become a Member
  • Join & Support
    • Join Today
    • Donate to HCSCC
    • Volunteer/Intern Opportunities
    • Felix Battles Monument
  • Research
    • COVID19 in Clay County
    • HCSCC Blog
    • Clay County Archives & Research >
      • Holdings
      • Finding Aids
      • Maps >
        • Fire Insurance Maps
        • Plat Books
      • Digital Books
    • Photo Catalog
    • Newsletters
    • HCSCC on MNopedia