Treasures from Norway honors the Norwegian immigrants that settled this region during the middle part of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These new Americans came to the United States with little more than the clothes on their back and a few personal effects. These personal items, tangible reminders of family they were leaving and the old country, will be displayed from July 1, 2025 to June 22, 2026.

Objects on display include clothing, furniture, and household items that were brought over on the hundreds of immigrant ships that came to the US from Norway. Items of special significance include the Syverson family hardanger fiddle, created by the grandfather of Gunner Helland. Gunner Helland lived in Fargo starting in 1930 and passed his knowledge of fiddle making on to Bud Larsen. Bud, who now lives in Brainerd, is teaching new students in the Fargo-Moorhead area his techniques so future generations can create their own fiddles.

A small wooden rosemal box, owned by Inger Peterson (nee Hansdatter) will be on display as well. Born in Telemark, Norway, Inger moved to the United States after she married her husband, Peter Peterson. The couple arrived at Moorhead on May 28, 1880. Peter would die by the end of the decade, but Inger would live until April 1939 when she passed away at 92.

This exhibit is part of a larger series of efforts across the country to commemorate the bicentennial of Norwegian immigration to the United States. On October 9, 1825, the sloop Restauration arrived in the United States with 52 Norwegian Quakers. This marked the first organized instance of Norwegian immigration to the United States - although Norwegians settlements in the US date as far back as the early 17th century. Since 1935 the federal government has marked October 9 as Leif Erikson Day. 

Inger Peterson chest she donated in 1936.

Syverson Family hardanger fiddle with case made by Gunner Helland’s grandfather.

Close up of Syverson fiddle dragon’s head.