Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, invites everyone to celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, a couple of days early on Friday, May 15. Stop by for a Children’s Parade, Nordic Dancers, folk art demonstrations, a live fiddle and guitar concert with Erik Sessions and Joshua Vorvick, folk art activities, free ice cream, and more. Admission is free all day, and the museum and store will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Syttende Mai is the day Norway ratified its constitution in 1814 at Eidsvoll, and Norwegians celebrate with excited crowds—especially children—marching through the streets, waving flags, and singing songs.
Vesterheim’s Syttende Mai activities are supported by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Marvin Bruha. The concert is supported by Bob and Mary Jane Lake and the ice cream by Decorah’s Sugar Bowl.
The music performance will be from 12:00-12:45 p.m. in Vesterheim Commons. Sessions and Vorvick have performed around the region for almost a decade and have worked up a special set for this event of Scandinavian tunes, from ancient melodies to Nordic Roots favorites to traditional Norwegian-American dance numbers.
The Children’s Parade throughout Vesterheim Heritage Park begins at 1:00 p.m., followed by a performance by Decorah’s Nordic Dancers on Mill St. next to the Museum Building. Norwegian flags will be given out at the parade, and everyone is invited to march along or cheer from the sidelines. The Nordic Dancers began in Decorah in 1966 and include a senior and junior group of dancers.
Activities also include a carving demonstration by Rebecca Hanna from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Museum Store, and hands-on craft activities from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. A guided tour of Heritage Park will start at 10:45 a.m. Free ice cream will be available from 1:00-1:45 p.m.
Syttende Mai is a great time to see the special exhibit “Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman” closing on May 18! Stop by to learn more about the history of an influential women’s magazine made right here in Iowa! Visitors can also see the new exhibits “Red River Girl: From Telemark to the Buffalo” and “Lars Fletre: Resistance, Resilience, Artistry.”
In case of inclement weather, the parade and Nordic Dancers will be canceled. All other activities will continue as planned.
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 520 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.
