Overview of Material Culture
Moving to America! Packing the trunk and dusting off the folk skills.
When Norwegians immigrated to the United States in the 19th century, they brought with them more than just the dreams of a better life. They brought the physical items that reflected their identities, traditions, and ways of life. From intricately carved and painted wooden trunks to finely woven wool textiles for clothing themselves and their homes, these objects were more than practical necessities; they were symbols of heritage and resilience.
Norwegian immigrants also carried with them exceptional craftsmanship. Skills passed down through generations. Whether in rural homes on the Midwestern prairies or in emerging urban towns and cities, their handiwork continued to reflect Old World techniques while adapting to New World realities. The material culture they preserved and created resulted in a tangible link between their past in Norway and their evolving identity in America.
Through photographs of cherished artifacts, stories of frontier architecture, and reflections on the goods they found, or longed for, in their new homeland, this exhibit explores how Norwegian Americans used both memory and ingenuity to build lives rooted in tradition in their western home. These objects and narratives reflect not only the material culture that they brought, but what they built, valued, and remembered.