Snorre Lodge celebration
Snorre Lodge of Sons of Norway in Thief River Falls, MN is holding events in October to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first organized immigration from Norway to U.S. in 1825. The ship was the “Restauration”, holding 52 passengers and it took 3 months to cross. Events planned are:
Oct. 13 -18, 2025, TRF Public Library, 102 1st St E, TRF “New Land, New Life” exhibit. Norwegian Immigration to Minnesota, 1825 to 1925. Farm settlements and homesteading, churches and congregations, urban life, folk arts, fine arts, and more.
Mon., Oct. 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m, NCTC Auditorium, 1101 Hwy 1 East, TRF, MN. “Historic Nordic Wooden Instruments.” Carol Thompson, Maddock, ND has made and will present many historic wooden Nordic instruments. Robert “Bud” Larsen, Brainerd, MN, speaks on making and repairing the Hardanger fiddle. Aubrey Connett, recent graduate of St. Olaf, will demonstrate both the Hardanger fiddle and the traditional violin. FREEWILL DONATION.
Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m. TRF Public Library, 102 1st St E, TRF “Sloopers, Cleng Peerson and Immigration prior to Civil War” Faye Auchenpaugh, local historian, will speak on Cleng Peerson’s extensive travels in America and his impact on Norwegian immigration, how Quakers ended up in Norway with its Lutheran national religion, why the Sloopers decided to emigrate, and their voyage and settlement in America. FREEWILL DONATION.
Sat., Oct. 18, 2025, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Elks Park, S of 3rd Street Bridge, TRF, MN “Imagine Life on Board the Restauration” The ship measured 54’ long x 16’ wide and held 52 passengers for the voyage to America. The ship will be outlined in the grass and all (including children) can attempt to understand what life would have been like on this ship for the three-month voyage. Photos will be taken beginning at 2:00 p.m. Hot dogs and ice cream, traditionally eaten in Norway on Syttende Mai, will be served. Shuttles provided from the parking lot at 2nd and Horace Streets. FREEWILL DONATION.
For additional information on any of the above, contact: auchenpaugh@gmail.com