Viking Bugle
Winter 2014
Eric Nelson, CEO Michael Ide, Volunteer Coordinator, (206) 789-5707 x12, michaeli@nordicmuseum.org
From the CEO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Volunteer Coordinator Museum News
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Volunteer News
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Special Recognition
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Volunteer Appreciation
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Winter Calendar
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Happy New Year! I hope you and yours enjoyed a delightful Christmas holiday. It’s been another great year at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Once again, our special events saw record-breaking numbers and our programming continued to draw fantastic audience attendance and press coverage. Both Viking Days and Yulefest had their highest attendance and revenue numbers yet, and the Museum stands in a strong financial position as we look forward to making progress with the plans for the new Market St. facility. Our fundraising efforts for the Capital took us even closer to the new Museum with nearly 3 million in contributions this year.
From the Volunteer Coordinator
share the Nordic spirit with our community. Each and every one of you has helped make a profound impact on the heart and soul of the institution, and nothing we do As we launch into a brand is possible without you. new year, I am still recovering from the last Please be sure to join our staff one! Volunteer support was and Trustees for this year’s behind, if not directly Annual Meeting, which will responsible, for the take place on Tuesday, Museum’s phenomenal February 18th. We will be achievements this year. reviewing highlights from From a handful of amazing 2013, as well as introducing exhibits, to record-breaking the new slate of Trustees for fundraisers, to every day at 2014. the Museum, you volunteers not only make possible It is always a pleasure to be what we do, you make it part of the Nordic Heritage meaningful. As we get As always, 2013’s Museum community, and I ready for another busy year, tremendous success was the look forward to working with full of change and promise, result of the thousands of you this year! I want to extend our hours of hard work heartfelt appreciation for all contributed by our stellar core All the best, that you have done, and of volunteers. I want to Eric Nelson, CEO continue to do for this personally thank you for all of Museum. your support and dedication to the Nordic Heritage Have a happy, healthy, and Museum. Since our inception, prosperous new year! We’ll volunteer support has been the see you soon! essence of our mission to —Michael
Rich Johnson’s beautiful dahlias brightened a very rain day— and always do! Thanks, Rich!
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Museum News Halloween Volunteer Dinner 2013!
STAFF UPDATE HELLO...Ariane Westin-McCaw, Registrar! We are excited that Ariane has joined the Museum staff! She started on the Monday before Yulefest, we threw her into the kitchen for the weekend—the ultimate test—and she stuck around!
The volunteer Halloween costume contest was cut-throat again! Look at all those great costumes!
A Seattle native, Ariane has spent time all over, earning a MA degree in Museum Studies from NYU, interning at the Smithsonian Institution in Washingotn DC, and the Field Museum in Chicago, and then working at the EMP. She even volunteered here at the Nordic Heritage Museum several years ago, so we are especially happy to welcome her back. With Ariane on board, our collections will be in expert hands.
GOODBYE...Sandra Nestorovic After a 9-year tenure at the Museum, working as Volunteer Coordinator, Grant Writer, Executive Assistant and most recently, Administration Director, Sandra has accepted a position at Amazon. We’ll miss her, but we are happy for her and congratulate her on this fantastic career opportunity! Stay in touch, Sandra!
There was quite a turnout for this impromptu volunteer send-off for Sandra over the holidays. She will be missed by all!
Dorothy Trenor won as “one confused Scandihoovian.” This is Dorothy’s third consecutive win for best costume! Well done! We can’t wait to see what you come up with next year!
Thanks, Museum Staff! You sure throw a great party!
The multi-talented Sandra, making dessert for the Spring Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. This year, the staff had a costume contest too! Well done, Joan Crawford, er... Kirsten Olsen! You win!
Museum News COLLECTIONS UPDATE
ADMISSIONS UPDATE New admissions rates start January 1! To keep pace with other regional museums and to maintain the high quality of our exhibitions and programs, we will be adjusting our admission fee as follows:
Adults: $8 Seniors/Students: $7 Students (K-12): $6 Children under 5: Free
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Our very own nyckelharpa People are often mystified when they first see a nyckelharpa, or ‘keyed fiddle’. Bart Brashers, local musician, describes it as a cross between a fiddle and typewriter. It is bowed and has keys to change the pitches, with some strings acting as drones, creating a unique sound. We now have one! The instrument has been donated by Dan Harrison in memory of his mother, who acquired the instrument in the 1980s when she was active in Skandia Folkdance Society - ‘in memory of Sarah (aka Sally) Ann Streeter for her devotion to Scandinavian culture.’ ~Kathi Ploeger , Music Archivist
A VOLUNTEER PERSPECTIVE “Discovering Our Heritage” Project Revisited By Michelle Eastman
Have you ever looked at an item at the museum and wondered about the story behind it? I’ll tell you the story about an item at the Nordic Heritage Museum that you might not even know exists. This item is a heritage quilt that has been seen hanging in various places throughout the museum, most recently next to the Children’s Education Coordinator’s office. I’m writing to tell you some of the story behind the quilt, part of a project called “Discovering Our Heritage.” About 15 years ago the museum did a project with a group of students from Ms. Wade’s and Ms. Robel’s third grade classes at Adams Elementary who drew pictures of items symbolizing their heritage on quilt squares (heirlooms if you will) as part of a larger project. “Discovering Our Heritage” was designed to
help students look into their cultural ancestry and remind them that as the project proposal by Karen Rippel (former education coordinator) stated “most families [students’ families] came from somewhere else.” The project included doing family trees, oral history interviews with elders, the creation of a quilt square with a heritage item, and a visit to the immigration exhibit at the Museum. I was one of the students to participate in “Discovering Our Heritage” and my family did indeed come from “somewhere else”. My mother’s paternal grandparents came from Norway and I chose to embrace that aspect of my heritage to share with others during the project. For my quilt square I depicted a
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Volunteer News
spoon that belonged to my greatgrandmother, Othilie Gulliksen, who emigrated from Norway to get off her family farm. The spoon in itself had little personal significance for me, aside from being pretty, and having belonged to my greatgrandmother who came from Norway. Now though, the spoon represents something more significant, the beginning of my interest in heritage stories.
She delivered him safely of course (or I wouldn’t be here) and survived herself. The story reminds me of the strength of my family overcoming difficult times and I don’t think I would have ever heard this story if not for the project. I know that this story sparked my interest in my ancestry and especially a woman in my family who I would hear more about later in life.
One of these heritage stories was told to me during the interview portion of the project. For my interview, I chose to speak with my great-grandmother’s son, my Grandpa Odd, who told me the story of his birth. On that day in 1919 his mother was ill with the swine flu. When she went into labor she could barely breathe from all the phlegm she had in her throat. She needed to be able to breathe in order to deliver her baby. A doctor was called in to help with the birth. The doctor made the decision to pour liquor down her throat to cut down on the phlegm, so she could breathe to deliver her son.
While I didn’t learn much about my Norwegian heritage through this project (I did at other points in my life.), I learned about my family’s past, a past that I would like to keep alive. Part of keeping my family’s past alive, particularly my greatgrandmother’s, for me is to volunteer here at the Museum where I can also learn and share more about the country from which she came.
Michelle Eastman has been a connected to the Museum since her class participated in this quilt project in the 3rd grade. In recent years she has become one of our most active volunteers, contributing her time and talent to a number of areas including kids’ programs, public programs, special events, outreach events and visitor services. Thank you Michelle, for all you do!
I hope I gave you a little story to think about the next time you see the quilt.
In Memory We fondly remember our dear friends who passed away this fall. Each was a strong supporter of the Museum and worked hard to advance its mission in different ways. We cherish their commitment, and celebrate their contributions.
Olaf Kvamme
Joanne Jonsson
Morris Moen
John Hendricks
Arlene Oberg
Please consider sending along photographs of the members of our Museum’s volunteer community who have passed away this year. I will create a slide show in remembrance to present at the Spring Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
A Special Yulefest Thanks!
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We had another unbelievable Yulefest! Thank you all for making it a record-breaking success! Aaron Kitson, Aashild Pratt, Aidin May, Alan Lundeen, Albert Brown, Alexi Oliver, Allie Sterling, Allison Zaidi, Amanda Witt, Amanda Munro, Amanda Rough, Anders Rogers, Andrea Bonnicksen, Andrea Bedini, Andy Ashmead, Ann Durant, Ann Bates, Anna Falck, Arlene Amundsen, Arnfridur Sigurdardottir, Astor Rask, Astrid Domenic, Barbara Paquette, Barb Johnson, Barbara Jeniker, Bella Allen, Ben Saari, Bengt Hag, Berit Sjong, Beth Kitson, Beth Johnson, Bill Weed, Bill Briest, Birgit Amundson, Birgitta Beck, Bjarne Jacobsen, Brad Borland, Brandon Benson, Brenda Wilson, Brian Kruse, Britt Sellers, Brittany Bryant, Brook Boeskov, Bruce Smith, Elmer Skold, Caitlin Cotter, Callie Moore, Carmen Minaker, Cameron Wressell, Camilla Koczara, Cari Brown, Carl Field, Carleen See, Carli Anderson, Carol Kennedy, Cecilie Roaldset, Chris Siddons, Christina Cantillo, Christine
Cummings, Chris Hardy, Cindy Johnston, Clara Cowan and Friends, Coco Angell, Curtis Jacobs, Dagmar O’Brien, Dan Brown, Dan Kaylor, Dave Swain, David Juhl, Dawn Bowtcher, Desiree Gobles, Dianne Anderson, Don Meyers, Donna Pedersen, Doug Kilgren, Douglas Sinn, Ed Cook, Edla Deppman, Eileen Kilgren, Einar Pedersen, Elaine Stevens, Elaine Carpenter, Elena Manenti, Eli Mrozek, Elia Smith, Elida Tepper, Elizabeth Rudrud, Ellen Juhl, Ellen Duernberger, Emelie Linden, Emily Uhde, Emily Baravics, Ericka Newman, Erik Ronning, Erin Sterling, Gabe Peterson, Geoff Stone, GeorgeJean Erickson, Gloria Chenoweth, Gloria Davidson, Gordon Olson, Gordon Strand, Greta Haagensen-Roseberg, Greta Buus, Hannah Cowan. Harriet Kemp, Henning Buus, Inger Saltonstall, Irene Andersen, Ivy Watkins, Jacob Tice, Jan Backman, Jane Kern, Janelle Guldahl, Janice Kaplan-Klein, Janice Bogren, Jason Brooks, Jason Rudd, Jayne Jaderholm, Jenna Gregor, Jennifer Anderson, Jenny Linhoff, Jeri Whitsett, Jill Wasberg, Joan Christ, Joanne Foster, John Speake, John Festa, Jolie Bergman, Jon Halgren, Jordan Eng, Judith Dern, Judith Mallory, Julie Coulter, Kaitlin Kjeldtoft, Kari-Lise Alexander, Karl Randolph, Karl Stutz, Kate Wiebe, Kate Gabowski, Kathi Erickson, Kathleen Klutz, Kathy MaCaulay, Keenan Layton, Kerri Keil, Kim Stark, Kirsten Chalfen, Laila Lie, Lauren Campbell, Leianne Ronnestad, Leslie Klein, Lindsey Castle, Lori Key, Lori Larsen, Lorraine Lofgren, Louise Torseth, Lucas Sheetz, Margaretta Campagna, Malina Hubler, Manuel Lopez-Santaillana, Margaret Lidberg, Mari-Ann Kind Jackson, Marianne Olson, Marianne Livingstone, Marietta Ronnestad, Marietta Stark Foubert, Marilyn Sheldon, Marion Hafterson, Marisa Way-Rogainis, Marit Thomson, Markus Rook, Marta Kalve, Mary Lindholm, Mary Brothers, Mary Mohler, Mary Ann Stewart, Mary Lou Salter, Matt McCallum, Max Hellen, Maya Lomelli, Merle Norman, Michelle Eastman, Mina Larsen, Molly Andrus, Nancy Ferkingstad, Nancy Olsen, Natasha Parker, Nathan Kruse, Nicole Godbout, Nola Irish, Obert Ronnestad, Orva Anderson, Pam Kruse, Pat Loftin, Pat Charlson, Pat Skold, Paul Jacobson, Paul Riek, Pete Schroeder, Peter Boeskov, Pirkko Borland, Priscilla Featherstone, Randi Parker, Richard Svensson, Rich Johnson, Rita Vermala-Koski, Robert Abrahamsen, Robin Hanley, Ron Hornung, Ronda Holmdahl, Ryley Mandigo, Sandy Wakefield, Sandy Haug, Sharmon Cooper, Shirley Fjoslien, Shirley Dronen, Solveig Myrseth, Solveig Rask, Sonja Sorvik, Sonja Ferkingstad, Sophia Ingaham, Spencer Mannes, Stephanie Maurer, Stephanie Smith,, Steve Johnston, Steve Olsen, Steven Luksan, Sue Gregor, Susan Haris, Susan Johnston, Susan Silverberg, Sven Kalve, Sylvi Thorstenson, Sylvia Key, Sylvia Vikingstad, Sylvia Thompson, Terry Rodriguez, Tiara Adler, Tim Hunter, Todd Clayton, Troy Monson, Unn Maeland, Ursula Lawson, Vaughn Kiefer, Vela Dyrness, Victoria Sangrey-Hunter, Vince Jolivet and more!
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Volunteer Appreciation We thank the following people for their dedication throughout the fall! Fall Program and Receptions Michelle Eastman Andrea Phillips Andrea Michelbach Meera Parmar Terry Rodriguez Rich Johnson Erik Sundholm Jenny Linhoff Malina Hubler Arnfridur Siguradottir Dane Woldseth Aaron Kitson Margaret Lidberg Mary Lindholm Barbara Paquette Sandy Haug
Soup and Cinema Series Jan Backman Barbara Jeniker Lorraine Lofgren Terry Rodriguez Harriett Kemp Anna-Maria Svahn
Partner Events Rich Johnson Joanne Foster Toni Eaton Carleen See Jason Rudd Aaron Kitson
Interns and Departmental Assistance Administration: Jonathan Wintrip Astor Rask
Development: Matt McCallum Ashely Russell Jean Wirch
Collections: Marilyn Whitted Angela Bartlett Mike Olson Kerri Keil Alison Goetz Emily McDade Marianne Kolden Ann Willott Robin Kaufman Steve Harvey Liisa Mannery Julie Coulter Kelley Staab Valerie Vega Kathi Erickson NAV Members
Marketing: Kirsten Chalfen
Teen Council: Lucas Sheetz
Special Thanks Special thanks from Kirsten and Lizette for all your hard work and long hours on the new exhibit, Pull Twist Blow! Robin Kaufman Jenny Linhoff Alexi Oliver
Sincere thanks from Jeremy to all the volunteers who helped us make the Wallenberg Dinner such a success! Whitney Hoppen Anna-Maria Svahn Mari-Ann Kind Jackson Rebecca Bolin Rebecca Janssen Jenny Linhoff Meera Parmar Michelle Eastman
Angie Johnson Susan Silverberg
Special thanks from Alison: A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped out with children’s Christmas programming: Molly Andrus Pat Charlson Karen Cowart-Smith Ann Durant Andrea Faste Sandy Haug Sophia Ingham Mary Juntilla Kaitlin Kjeldtoft Camilla Koczara Margaret Lidberg Mary Lindholm Barbara Paquette Anders Rogers Marilyn Sheldon Geoffrey Stone Ingela Wänerstrand Mari-Ann Kind Jackson
And a big year-end thank you to my wonderful children’s docents Shirley Fjoslien and Janice Bogren; and Roberta Morrow, who is always willing to go speak to schools. Special thanks to the Monday and Thursday Crew and Friends who again worked tirelessly to keep the building operating and getting us ready for another Yulefest! Bill Weed Ron Hornung Chris Hardy
Maurie Inglis Karl Randolph Sig Eriksen Bill Briest Erik Ronning Jon Hanson Henning Knudsen Jon Halgren Lennart Larsson
Special thanks to the members of the Ethnic Rooms for dressing up the galleries for the holidays! And a big thanks to all of the Visitor Services volunteers who keep our doors open and our visitors happy!
Did I miss someone? Let me know!
Welcome New and Returning Volunteers and Interns Gabe Peterson Rebecca Janssen Christina Cantillo Lucy Blue Alexi Oliver Beth Johnson John Speake Heather Kissinger Mike Olson Lucas Sheetz
Volunteer Opportunities THE TEEN COUNCIL NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Nordic Heritage Teen Council (NHTC) is getting ready for another exciting year. Lucas Sheetz will lead the teens in discussions and hands-on activities about heritage; the participants will contribute to a blog, which will be available for all to enjoy, and they will design and deliver several public programs related to their session topic.
CRAFT SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT: Nordic Pancake Series Saturdays 10:00-12:30 •
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This winter, the NHTC will focus on the topic of arts and crafts. We are looking for special guests who are willing to come in during a session to share knowledge and skills with the group. Present your heritage-based (not necessarily Nordic!) art or craft, lead an activity or engage them in discussion. We’re looking to spark some interest and imagination, as well as introduce the group to the Museum’s community! Winter sessions meet every Thursday from 3:30-5 PM from January 9 through March 13. Would you like to share your skills and knowledge with the NHTC? Do you have an idea for a future session? Contact Michael at (206) 789-5707 x12 or michaeli@nordicmuseum.org
Jan 25 Norwegian Pannekaker Feb 15 Danish Æbleskiver March 15 Icelandic Pönnukökur April 12 Finnish Pannukakku and lettu May 10 Swedish Pannkakstårta
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Mostly Nordic is almost upon us! Save the dates: Sunday, February 23, 4 PM “Devilishly Danish” Sunday, March 23, 4 PM “How Swede It Is” Sunday, April 27, 4 PM “Breaking the Language Barrier: Norwegian and Danish Songs by Foreigners”
SPECIAL OFFER FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Sunday, May 18, 4 PM “Fantastically Finnish”
If you’ve always wanted to help bake æbleskiver, but never knew how, here’s your chance to learn on us!
Sunday, June 1, 4 PM “Iced Coffee”
Opportunities include: Volunteers wishing to learn to make æbleskiver for future volunteer purposes can attend the February 15 craft school class with Pete Boeskov for free! Contact Jeremy for more information and to sign up: jeremye@nordicmuseum.org or (206) 789-5707 x21
Set up assistance: Help set up tables and chairs; set tables; post signage, etc. Box office assistance: sell tickets, distribute will-call tickets; take tickets, distribute programs, etc. Banquet Assistance: Bartenders: Set up and break down the bar; serve beer and wine throughout the concert and dinner. Banquet volunteers: During dinner, serve and bus tables; make coffee; refill coffee and water; serve dessert; dry and put away dishes. Dishwashers: Wash dishes in industrial dishwasher; dry and put away as needed.
Louise Torseth teaching NHTC members how to bake Krumkake last spring.
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Winter Calendar January Thurs
2
10-11 AM
Nordic Stories: Fat Cat (Denmark)
Sun
5
1-4 PM
Knit/Spin Cafe
Mon
13
10:30 AM
Volunteer Council Meeting
Mon
13
Noon
Volunteer Potluck
Tues
14
Noon
Soup and Cinema: Patrik: Age 1.5 (Sweden)
Fri-Sun
17-19
Thurs
30
7 PM
Nordic/Baltic Book Lust Lecture Series: Prof. Marianne Stecher
Sun
2
1-4 PM
Knit/Spin Cafe
Thurs
6
10-11 AM
Nordic Stories: Moomin and the Winter Snow (Finland)
Thurs
6
7 PM
Lecture: Simply Beautiful: A History of Nordic Glass
Sat
8
2-4:30 PM
Tours and Demo: Pull Twist Blow Exhibit and Pratt Fine Art Center
Tues
11
Noon
Soup and Cinema: Mother of Mine (Finland)
Tues
18
6:30 PM
Annual Meeting
Thurs
20
7:30 PM
Glass Art Program for Kids
Sun
23
4 PM
Mostly Nordic: Devilishly Danish
Northern Lights Film Festival (at SIFF Cinema)
February
March Sun
1
1-4 PM
Knit/Spin Cafe
Thurs
6
10-11 AM
Nordic Stories: Oliver (Iceland)
Thurs
6
7 PM
Nordic/Baltic Book Lust Lecture Series Prof. Guntis Smidchens
Thurs
13
7PM
Book Talk: Against My Dreams: An Immigrant’s Story
Tues
18
7PM
Book Talk: Jim Cole
Sun
23
4 PM
Mostly Nordic: How Swede It Is
Sat
29
10 AM
Breakfast at Pippi’s
Save the Dates Northern Lights Auktion Saturday, May 10 Syttende Mai Saturday, May 17 Viking Days August 16 and 17 Knitting Concert October 3-5 Yulefest November 22 and 23
Mostly Nordic 2014 Volunteer Potluck Dates Monday, January 13, noon Monday, March 10, noon Monday, June 9, noon Monday, September 8, noon
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Dates: Wednesday, May 28, 5:30 PM Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 PM
Sunday, February 23, 4 PM “Devilishly Danish” Sunday, March 23, 4 PM “How Swede It Is” Sunday, April 27, 4 PM
“Breaking the Language Barrier: Norwegian and Danish Songs by Foreigners”
Sunday, May 18, 4 PM “Fantastically Finnish” Sunday, June 1, 4 PM “Iced Coffee”