POULSBO — They came here for the reasons most people came to these lands: political and religious freedom, economic opportunity and, in many cases, a chance to feed their families.
Today, there are more than 4.5 million Norwegian Americans, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Norwegian Americans comprise the 10th-largest European ancestry group in the United States. More than 410,000 Washingtonians claim Norwegian ancestry.
As we well know, Norwegians and other Scandinavians were drawn to Kitsap County in the mid-1800s by plentiful resources and a landscape that was reminiscent of home. Many made their way here after attempts at farming in the Midwest.
Land was available, thanks to treaties with the area’s First Peoples and the federal Homestead Act. Here, they could farm, fish and harvest timber. Their level of prosperity would be matched by their efforts.
2016 marks landmark anniversaries for some of the organizations that they founded to help each other survive and thrive in their new home: The Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbo celebrates its 100th; Martha & Mary celebrates its 125th; the Poulsbo First Lutheran Church is 130 years old.
Several events are coming up that can connect you with Norwegian culture and help you better understand the Norwegian experience in Kitsap.
Magnus Nilsson’s “Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food, and People”
The Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard (www.nordicmuseum.org) presents the photographic works of culinary master Magnus Nilsson from March 18 to May 8.
“Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food, and People” is an epicurean exploration of the Nordic culinary arts seen through the lens of one of the most renowned chefs in the world; Nilsson is chef of Fäviken restaurant in Sweden.
The exhibition features Nilsson’s travel photographs, stories and recipes from his latest publication, “The Nordic Cookbook” (Phaidon Press, 2015).
Event location: Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St., Seattle.
Poulsbo Historical Society Codfish Dinner and Auction
The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge hosts the Poulsbo Historical Society’s annual Codfish Dinner and Auction 4:30-9 p.m. March 19.
The evening opens with a social hour and silent auction, starting at 4:30 p.m. Following the dinner, the live auction provides the opportunity to bid on many unique treasures that will delight their new owners while contributing to a major fund-raising event.
It’s an opportunity to learn more about Poulsbo history — and maybe take home an item reflective of that history.
To purchase tickets, visit the Heritage Museum in City Hall or the Poulsbo Maritime Museum, 19010 NE Front St. Museum admission is free; donations are accepted.
Event location: Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge, 18891 Front St. NE, Poulsbo.
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers from Stoughton High School in Wisconsin will present traditional dances and a workshop on March 21 at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge.
The evening will include a dance workshop from 4:30–6 p.m., and a performance and reception from 7-9:30 p.m. Suggested donations at the door: $5 per event for youth, $15 per event for adults.
The Stoughton Dancers (www.stoughtonnorwegiandancers.net) have performed for more than 50 years across the United States and internationally. Each year, many students in Stoughton try out for the nine to 10 vacancies in the group left by graduating high school seniors. Being a Norwegian dancer is held in high regard among the students and community.
The dancers’ story: In 1952, Stoughton, Wisconsin hosted its first Syttende Mai celebration. This recognition of the Norwegian Constitution Day was to become a tradition in the community.
Albert Molderhauer was administrator of the schools at the time. He was of German ancestry, but felt that because the area was primarily populated with second- and third-generation Norwegian Americans, the schools should play an active part in supporting ethnic pride in Stoughton.
He asked Jeanne Reek, a physical education teacher of English ancestry, to begin a Norwegian dance group made up of high school students. The group would be expected to perform during future Syttende Mai celebrations.
Reek studied Norwegian culture and customs, and later went to Norway to gather information about traditional dance. She spent seven weeks there filming folk dances, getting translations to accompany the films, exploring clothing shops and taping music.
The first bunads were handmade in Stoughton with materials available in the United States. Today, the bunads continue to be constructed in Stoughton, however, all the patterns, fabrics and threads are imported from Norway so that all the bunads are authentically Norwegian. Even the shoes and jewelry are imported from Norway.
The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers have become goodwill ambassadors, touring all over the United States and in several national folk festivals.
In 1968, they were asked to dance for Norway’s King Olaf when he visited Madison, Wisconsin. In 1972, the Dancers were invited to perform in Bergen and Oslo.
Event location: Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge, 18891 Front St. NE, Poulsbo.
Poulsbo Sons of Norway Viking Egg Hunt
Q: What’s the closest thing to an Easter egg hunt in Norway?
A: An Easter egg hunt in Little Norway.
The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge presents the Viking Egg Hunt at noon March 26 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.
The event is free and open to children ages 10 and older. There will be a golden egg prize for each age group.
While you’re there, check out “Viking,” the bronze sculpture dedicated in honor of former Poulsbo mayor Maurice Lindvig (1969-1976); and local artist Lisa Stirrett’s “The Guardian Stone,” inspired by the “Swords of the Rock,” a 33-foot sculpture on the southern coast of Norway that commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, when King Harald Fairhair united Norway under one crown. And visit the Sons of Norway Lodge.
Event location: Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, on Liberty Bay, downtown Poulsbo.
Nordic Culinary Conference
The Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard hosts the Nordic Culinary Conference May 6-8.
According to the museum, “New Nordic Cuisine” has become one of the hottest and most celebrated trends in 21st century pan-Nordic arts and culture. The movement started in 2004 with the New Nordic Kitchen Manifesto, where a commitment was made by a coalition of pan-Nordic chefs to freshness, simplicity, health, and the presentation of foods that also reflect the surrounding landscape and seasons.
Nordic Heritage Museum is hosting the Nordic Culinary Conference in celebration of this distinct expression of Nordic culture. Participants will be immersed in an experiential program through a series of lectures, demonstrations by Nordic and regional chefs, and tastings, focusing on this culinary trend.
Presenters include Andreas Viestad, Norwegian chef and host of the PBS series “New Scandinavian Cooking”; Magnus Nilsson of Jarpen, Sweden’s Fäviken restaurant, rated as one of the world’s 50 best; and Sara La Fountain of PBS’s “New Scandinavian Cooking” and “A Perfect Day.”
Sweden’s Kalle Bergman, founder of Honest Cooking and the Nordic North Festival in New York City, will introduce the program and serve as keynote speaker.
Event location: Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St., Seattle.
ONLINE: For a comprehensive calendar of cultural events, go to www.poulsbosonsofnorway.com.
The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers visit the Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbo March 21. Courtesy photo
