On the Home Front: Jacob Stefferud and Norwegian-American Relief
International Networks
Even before World War II, Jacob Stefferud was a central figure in the Norwegian-American community in Minneapolis as a representative of the Norwegian America Line, a passenger and cargo service. When Nazi Germany invaded Norway, Stefferud immediately joined relief organizations mobilizing for the Allied cause. He was a founding board member of the Camp Little Norway Association, which raised money for the Royal Norwegian Air Force training camp in Canada.
Stefferud’s most visible contribution was serving as Acting Consul for Norway in Minneapolis from 1941 to 1944. At the Norwegian Consulate, he corresponded with a wide network of ambassadors, military leaders, and the Norwegian government-in-exile. He also helped keep the American public informed about the war.
Family Under Occupation
Nazi Germany’s invasion of Norway on April 9, 1940 began five years of occupation. While Stefferud was working tirelessly for relief organizations and the Norwegian Consulate, he was also trying to stay in touch with siblings and relatives still in Norway. He faced changing censorship rules, unreliable postal service, and restrictions on sending much-needed food and money. Many Norwegian Americans faced difficulties getting word to family and friends across the sea.
Norway Fights Back
All the while, Norway’s exiled but still-operating government and military branches resisted the occupation. The Norwegian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Merchant Marine formed bases in Great Britain, Iceland, and Canada so they could return to the European front and fight for Norway’s liberation. At the Consulate in Minneapolis, Stefferud worked with Norwegian-American relief organizations to distribute photographs and films about Norway’s struggle. The country’s liberation came on May 8, 1945, with the Allies’ victory in Europe.
Portions of the Jacob Stefferud Papers were digitized with grant funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.