So Much to See and Do at Vesterheim in May

BRANDED CONTENT-- You don't have to be Norwegian-American to enjoy all the beauty and wonder Vesterheim has to offer. Vesterheim, the Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, creates experiences inspired by Norwegian-American stories and folk art and offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org. Summer Hours Are Here!Vesterheim is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1–October 31. Come see the brand new exhibits, shop the Museum Store and don't miss guided tours of the picturesque Heritage Park – scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, excluding holiday weekends (call ahead to confirm in case of tour change). Start planning your visit! Pioneering Pages Exhibit Event and Gallery WalkJoin Vesterheim on May 9 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for an opening event for the exhibit Pioneering Pages and Dr. Nancy Coleman will be present to give an opening gallery walk at 5:30 p.m. Vesterheim is pleased to work with Norwegian scholars Dr. Nancy Coleman, Dr. Eva Marie Syversen, Anne Kari Vasaasen, and Solveig Glesaaen to shed light on an important part of the story of Norwegian immigration history and Norwegian American life. The exhibit Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman tells the story of Kvinden og Hjemmet or Woman and Home, a national magazine for women first published in 1888 in Iowa by Norwegian immigrant sisters Ida and Mina Jensen. The magazine offered information to help Norwegian immigrant women adapt to American ways of life, but it was much more! By and for women, the publishers and writers advocated for women's education, equality, and suffrage. Foot-Notes Dance and Food TruckDon't miss the free Foot-Notes dance on May 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on the Commons patio. Rain location will be inside the Commons. Kick up your heels to this fantastic Decorah-area Scandinavian dance band or sit back and tap your toes to the music. Bring your own lawn chair to guarantee a seat. Stop by early and enjoy a meal from Pupusas Wendy Food Truck, starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be outside and indoor seating options to eat. Learn more about the event. Syttende Mai Vesterheim invites everyone to celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day! In 2025, Vesterheim is celebrating a day early on May 16! The celebration includes free admission all day with a Children's Parade throughout Vesterheim Heritage Park, a performance by Decorah's Nordic Dancers, live music, ice cream, and more. Amy M. Shaw, author of Ole Hendricks and His Tunebook will be available for book signings in the Museum Store 10:30 a.m.-noon. In addition, there will be a concert with Norwegian fiddler Vidar Skrede live in Vesterheim Bethania Church! Check out the full Syttende Mai schedule. Take advantage of Vesterheim's Syttende Mai member drive! New memberships purchased between May 15-18, receive a free second membership to gift to friends or family. Member benefits include free museum admission, store and folk art class discounts, Vesterheim magazine, and more. Forging Studio Ribbon Cutting and Opening ReceptionAll are invited to celebrate as Vesterheim begins an exciting new chapter in metalworking and forging education in Decorah with the completion of a new forging studio at 418 W. Water St. Attend the ribbon cutting on May 16 at 9:00 a.m. at the forge (north side of 418 W. Water St.) and a chance to see the forge. Then join us in Vesterheim Commons for an opening reception. Upcoming Folk Art School Classes Vesterheim Folk Art School offers online and in-person classes in rosemaling, woodworking, metalworking, jewelry, cooking, fiber arts, weaving, and heritage and language, plus youth and family programming. Check out some of the upcoming courses: Beginner Knifemaking and Tool Making with K.J. Groven May 30-June 1 Learn from the best, right from the start! Introduction to the Basic Strokes of Rosemaling (Telemark Style) Online with Lise Lorentzen May 31 -June 1 Can't travel to Decorah but want to start rosemaling? Learn online! Tavlebragd Weaving Technique In-Person with Caroline Feyling June 12-15 If you know how to dress a loom, you're ready to tackle this iconic weave technique! Hallingdal Bunad Embroidery with Gina Nylund July 21-23 Craft traditional embroidery stitches and then enjoy Nordic Fest in Decorah! View the full folk art course schedule and register now. Thank You, Volunteers!April was National Volunteer Month! There is little that happens at Vesterheim without the support of wonderful volunteers who share their skills and enthusiasm throughout the entire year for guided tours, children's programs, folk art demonstrations, reception hosting, administration duties, and more! The museum was pleased to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vesterheim volunteers at an appreciation event in their honor! Learn more about volunteering at Vesterheim. Branded Content produced by Vesterheim.