Norwegian-American Historical Association is a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to locating, collecting, preserving and interpreting the Norwegian-American experience. It publishes scholarly books and maintains a historical archive, documenting research and interpretations of the American experience of immigrants from Norway . ^[1]

History [ edit ]

On 4th day of February, 1926, the Norwegian-American Historical Association was incorporated by Knut Gjerset , Birger Osland, and O. E. Rolvaag . The organization was founded at St. Olaf College , in Northfield , Minnesota . Although the association is still located on the campus of St. Olaf, both institutions are independent entities. ^[2]

Theodore C. Blegen served as managing editor for publications from 1925 until his retirement in 1960. His devotion to high standards of historical scholarship enabled the Norwegian-American Historical Association to achieve a reputation as a learned society. Later editors have included Kenneth O. Bjork from 1960 until 1980 and Odd S. Lovoll from 1980 until 2001. ^[3]

Ole E. Rolvaag , the author of Giants in the Earth , became the association's first secretary and archivist. Rolvaag initiated the collection of archives including letters, papers, books, periodicals, photographs, diaries and newspapers related to Norwegian-American life. ^[4]

The association promotes Norwegian-American historical research and literary work; and helps maintain and develop archives of Norwegian-American historical material. Its Norwegian-American Studies (formerly Studies and Records ) publications are available online. ^[5] The current editor of NAHA's publications is Anna Peterson. ^[6] The association has enjoyed success and gained the recognition and respect of an international scholarly community. ^[7]

In fulfillment of its purpose, the association has published nearly one hundred books of scholarly merit; promoted Norwegian-American historical research and literary work and preserved of materials of historical significance . ^{[8] [9]}

References and notes [ edit ]

External links [ edit ]

• Norwegian-American Historic Association official website
• "Norwegian-American Studies" journal via University of Minnesota Press
• Sogn og Fjordane - Norwegian-American Historical Association
• King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-American Studies at St. Olaf’s College