Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Norwegian heritage museum in Decorah, Iowa.
The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is a museum complex in Decorah that documents Norwegian-American immigration with more than 33,000 objects. This collection is spread across the main building and twelve historic structures in Heritage Park, showing different aspects of daily life and craft traditions.
The museum began in 1877 as part of Luther College and became independent in 1965. This separation allowed the institution to expand its collection and gain full ownership of the objects in 1991.
The Folk Art School shapes daily life here with more than 100 courses each year, where visitors can learn traditional Norwegian techniques like rosemaling, woodcarving, and textile work. These craft traditions remain active and accessible to anyone interested in deepening their skills.
The main building welcomes visitors during daytime hours, while the museum shop and Vesterheim Commons operate with extended hours to give a good overview of what's available. The Heritage Park structures are accessible in good weather and invite self-guided exploration.
The complex includes twelve historic buildings on the grounds, including the Painter-Bernatz Mill from 1851 and the Norris Miller House from 1856. These structures show how Norwegian immigrants actually lived and worked during that time.
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