2009 Stevne Memories

2009 Stevne

"Bridging the Generations"

June 25-28

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin

The 2009 stevne was held at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls from Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28th. On Thursday, a tour of the New Richmond Heritage Center started things off. Thursday evening, the 1965 movie "Heroes of Telemark" starring Kurt Douglas was shown. Things got off to great start on Friday with the opening session. Torgeir Straand, a renowned Telemark fiddler and Tone Tveito, an award winning folk singer, provided great entertainment. This was followed by lag meetings and lunch.

Friday afternoon, the stevne got into full swing. The genealogy room was open, a wonderful variety of vendors showed their wares, and class sessions included lefse making and rosemaling, plus a wide variety of presentations designed to educate and assist member researchers. During the Friday evening program, Jeff Mueller talked about the opportunities for cooperation between the US and Norway on a number of fronts, including education, culture, and business. He is the president of the Upper Midwest Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce. Entertainment was provided by LeRoy Larson and his Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble Show Band.

Saturday, classes and sessions continued, followed by the banquet. After the bunad parade, attendees were again treated to excellent performances by Torgeir Straand and Tone Tveito.

Sunday, attendees were invited to travel to Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, for church services followed by coffee and a chance to take in this beautiful church. Church was followed up by a tour of Old Muskego Church at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Muskego was the first and oldest Norwegian Lutheran Church in America. The tour - and the stevne - concluded with lunch at the Student Center.