Norwegian-American Historical Association publishes scholarly books, documenting research and interpretations of the American experience of immigrants from Norway.
On 4th day of February, 1926, the Norwegian-American Historical Association was incorporated by Knut Gjerset, Birger Osland, and O. E. Rolvaag. The organization was founded at St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota. Although the Association is still located on the campus of St. Olaf, both institutions are independent entities.
Theodore C. Blegen served as managing editor for publications from 1925 until his retirement in 1960. His devotion to high standards of historical scholarship enabled the Norwegian-American Historical Association to achieve a reputation as a learned society. Later editors have included Kenneth O. Bjork from 1960 until 1980 and Odd S. Lovoll from 1980 until 2001.
Ole E. Rolvaag, the author of Giants in the Earth, became the Association's first secretary and archivist. Rolvaag initiated the collection of archives including letters, papers, books, periodicals, photographs, diaries and newspapers related to Norwegian-American life.
The Association promotes Norwegian-American historical research and literary work; and helps maintain and develop archives of Norwegian-American historical material.Its Norwegian-American Studies publications are available online. The Association has enjoyed success and gained the recognition and respect of an international scholarly community.
In fulfillment of its purpose, the Association has published nearly one hundred books of scholarly merit; promoted Norwegian-American historical research and literary work and preserved of materials of historical significance.
Famous quotes containing the words historical and/or association:
“What are your historical Facts; still more your biographical? Wilt thou know a Man ... by stringing-together beadrolls of what thou namest Facts?”
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881)
“The spiritual kinship between Lincoln and Whitman was founded upon their Americanism, their essential Westernism. Whitman had grown up without much formal education; Lincoln had scarcely any education. One had become the notable poet of the day; one the orator of the Gettsyburg Address. It was inevitable that Whitman as a poet should turn with a feeling of kinship to Lincoln, and even without any association or contact feel that Lincoln was his.”
—Edgar Lee Masters (1869–1950)