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Norwegian-American Education

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Ole Rynning, a Norwegian emigrant pioneer and author, wrote in his publication True Account of America that public education in America “is within reach of all.” He goes on to say the American “realizes very well what an advantage the educated man has over the ignorant, and he spares nothing in the instruction and education of his children.” When early Norwegian emigrants arrived in the United States, they sent their children to public schools. As various synods developed, they seized upon the criticisms of a common school. 

A common theme in the debate over education in terms of a public school or a parochial school developed around the use of the Norwegian language and being able to teach Lutheran doctrine. Some thought it was important that they learn English to better fulfill duties as citizens, but also highlighted the importance of knowing their mother tongue – Norwegian. While others thought it was important to teach Lutheran doctrine in Norwegian. Throughout the stories of Norwegians in America, there was a constant debate between assimilation and holding onto the values that they had in Norway.

Despite these debates that were often publicized through newspapers and synod meetings, a handful of Norwegian American higher education institutions played an important role in Minnesota in educating Norwegian Americans and in providing education for future teachers who could teach at parochial and public schools. These institutions were important to the Norwegian American community that placed emphasis and pride in providing an education to the next generation. Throughout the various institutions, there is a constant struggle between being a school developed to teach Lutheran doctrine, the use of Norwegian in the classroom, and the various waves of Americanization. 
 

This page has paths:

  1. Introduction Kristina Warner

Contents of this path:

  1. Augsburg Seminary (Augsburg University), 1869-current
  2. St. Olaf College, 1874-current
  3. Red Wing Seminary, 1879-1932
  4. Concordia College, 1891-current
  5. Lutheran Ladies’ Seminary 1894-1920
  6. Luther Seminary, 1917-current
  7. Bethany Lutheran College and Theological Seminary, 1927-current