Vikings: Empire of the North (Together Again)

The Seven Lag+ Viking-themed Stevne was held at the end of July and a good number of Tellers attended. The genealogy room, filled with eight Lags worth of resources (including some incredible genealogists), was a sight to behold and alone was worth the drive to Fargo. The genealogy wasn’t just limited to the research room though, there were several class offerings throughout the event that focused on different aspects of lineage exploration. Other classes and programs focused on Viking and Norwegian American culture. Some of the classes I found most interesting were about Norse Greenlanders, a topic I wasn’t very familiar with. And who can resist the allure of Viking clothing and jewelry even when you learn that certain fabric colors require human urine to dye? Of course, clothing and jewelry were readily available in the vendor room too.

Although the sub-theme of this year’s Stevne was “Together Again”, for me it was a first-time experience. I understand now how the Stevne’s feel a bit like a reunion though. Sitting down at a table and asking people what Lag they were from often ended up in the most interesting conversations. I am sure I learned as much, if not more, in the between class or mealtime chats. Even discussions with vendors yielded new or more detailed knowledge about rosemaling, gemstones, and solje.

Our individual Lag activities were a personal highlight. The president’s reception and annual meeting were both great opportunities to meet people (including new board members and our newly elected president) as well as reacquaint myself with folks I met at last year’s mini stevne. Both events also gave me a deeper understanding of who we are as a group. The Seven+ Lag Stevne was overall a great illustration of how shared Norwegian heritage and regional heritage complement one another to create a more complete picture of our past and present culture.