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The Oldest Bygdelag in America - 1899

Home About the Samband Membership Genealogy Stevne Stories Books for Sale Valdres Valley Norwegian Cuisine Links

About the Valdres Samband

 

The Valdres Samband was the first Norwegian bygdelag (community organization) to be organized by immigrants in America, in 1899.  There was not a national culture in Norway, in part because it did not enjoy self-rule until 1905.  The Norwegians created these unique organizations because the ties they felt to their homeland were strongly centered in the specific community from which they came.  The isolation of each mountain valley contributed to differences in dialect and tradition that sometimes made it difficult for Norwegians from different parts of the country to understand each other!  Almost 30 Norwegian bygdelags are still active, loosely tied together by the Bygdelagenes Fellesraad.

Members of the Valdres Samband share a passion for researching their family history and a strong interest in the history and culture of the area their immigrant ancestors left behind.  The Budstikken, the Samband's bi-annual publication, entertains and informs with both current news about the organization's activities and interesting historical articles about Valdres and America's pioneer ancestors who came from this beautiful mountain valley. 

 

 

bulletFra Formannen (A word from the Samband President)

bulletMembership

bulletOfficers

bulletMember Contacts and Personal Websites

bulletStevner (yearly get-togethers)

bulletOur Newsletter,The Budstikken

bulletFane - The Valdres Samband Banner and Its Origin

bulletMake a Donation to the Valdres Samband

The Samband is only as strong as its members, and has been blest over the years with great leaders.  We are pleased to here recognize just a few.

bulletBetty Lou Rockswold 1922-2008
bulletAndrew Veblen 1848-1932
bulletNarvestad's Legacy will be Remembered
bulletHilda Sophie Kringstad 1914-2007

 


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Last updated: March 22, 2010

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