We are excited to announce two Food for Thought Sessions taking place during the Crossings and Connections Conference! Bring your lunch to this session to discuss various topics surrounding the commemoration and legacy of Norwegian Immigration.
Food for Thought I: Saturday, June 21st, 12.00-12.45pm
Crafting Connections: 200 Years of Norwegian Emigration and the Power of Our Stories
Miranda Moen, Terje Hasle Joranger, Synneva Bratland
Location: Sun Ballroom
This “Food for Thought” session, led by board members of the Norwegian Emigrant Museum–U.S. Foundation (NUM–US), offers a unique opportunity to delve into the experiences of Norwegian emigrants and their descendants. They will provide a framework for discussion, inviting you to reflect on your own understanding and ideas about Norwegian emigration.
NUM–US is dedicated to facilitating the sharing and gathering of these vital stories, fostering meaningful transnational communication. Through honest storytelling and guided reflection, they aim to highlight the vast spectrum of Norwegian-American experiences, while also uncovering common threads across historical and modern emigration. By understanding one’s own narratives and the impact these have across generations, one can better connect with other communities and grasp the universal experiences of all emigrants. They work to create an intentional space where every story can be heard, seen, and validated. Their goal is to build understanding that, just as our ancestors’ journeys were varied and impactful, so too are the experiences of immigrants.
The session will begin with a shared understanding of these concepts before moving into personal storytelling. Ultimately, participants will be invited to reflect, both individually and with others, on their own migration experiences.
Food for Thought II: Saturday, June 21st, 12.00-12.45pm
The Unbroken Connection: Legacies of Norwegian Emigration
Jeff Kindseth
Location: Black Ballroom
Join us for a thought-provoking session with Jeff Kindseth, a 4th-generation Norwegian-American, as he delves into the question of what shapes Norwegian-American identity. Between 1800 and 1924, 35 million Europeans embarked on the largest voluntary mass migration in history, including 800,000 Norwegians who made their way to the United States. Kindseth’s own family is part of this incredible story; his two great-grandfathers arrived in 1891, settling in the Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota area.
Despite being a descendant of 19th-century Norwegian immigrants, many distinct Norwegian-American traits are still evident in his family’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations—a phenomenon many attendees will likely recognize. Through open discussion, Kindseth will explore why these characteristics persist. He’ll also look ahead, hypothesizing what Norwegian-American identity might look like for future generations. Will the connections that bind Norwegian-Americans to Norway remain unbroken? This session invites you to reflect on your own heritage and consider the evolving nature of cultural identity.