Here’s your chance to learn more about the fascinating history of southeastern Minnesota before our conference begins. On Wednesday, June 18th, conference goers can choose from two specially curated tours:
Historic Norwegian American Churches
Historic Valley Grove Churches near Nerstrand
Join us on a fascinating tour of Historic Norwegian American Churches, led by L. DeAne Lagerquist, St. Olaf College Professor Emerita of Religion. We’ll begin our tour in rural Goodhue County, visiting the welcoming congregations of Holden and Vang, where the traditions of Norwegian immigrants continue to thrive. Next, we’ll travel to Rice County to explore the historic Valley Grove churches, now carefully preserved by the Valley Grove Preservation Society. Our tour will conclude with a visit to Historic Trondhjem Church near Lonsdale. Visiting each of these historic Lutheran churches will give us an opportunity to consider the role of religion in the lives of Norwegian immigrants and their descendents.
DeAne Lagerquist is a scholar of American religion and historian of Christianity, holding degrees from California Lutheran University, Luther Seminary, and the University of Chicago Divinity School. During her distinguished career at St. Olaf College, she taught religion and American Studies for over three decades. Her influential book, In America the Women Milk the Cows, published in 1991, provides valuable insights into the experiences of Norwegian immigrant women and the role of religion in their lives.
Regional Historic Sites
Northfield History Center
Discover the rich history of Rice and Goodhue Counties with our Regional Historic Sites tour, led by author Jeff Sauve, former archivist for NAHA and St. Olaf College. We’ll begin with a drive by Ole Rølvaag’s home, followed by a visit to the Northfield History Center, where the infamous James-Younger gang’s attempted bank robbery took place. Our journey continues to the village of Nerstrand, founded by Norwegian immigrants, and then to Kenyon’s Gunderson House, a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Our final stop will be the Faribault Mills, a historic woolen mill in operation since 1865. The site employed Norwegian Americans in roles as weavers, wool dyers, and office workers.
Your guide, Jeff M. Sauve, brings a wealth of local history expertise to our tour. During his tenure as an archivist for St. Olaf College and NAHA (1999–2019), he authored several publications, including Pioneer Women: Voices of Northfield’s Frontier and Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band. His latest work, Murder at Minnesota Point, was inspired by a clipping he uncovered in the NAHA Archives.
Each tour includes:
- Mid-morning departure from St. Olaf College;
- Comfortable, air-conditioned bus travel;
- A catered lunch;
- Mid-afternoon return to campus;
- Audio headsets so you won’t miss a thing.
We’re excited to offer these tours for our conference attendees, and we hope you will join us! Each tour is $95, and you can add it to your conference registration. With only 45 spots available per tour, we recommend booking early. These tours are available to conference attendees until April 1st, after which any remaining spaces will be opened to the public. Please be aware that itineraries may be subject to minor adjustments.