A HUNT FOR NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN RECORDS

Abstract

A HUNT FOR NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN RECORDS By Carlton C. Qu ale y At the 1931 meeting of the executive board of the Norwegian- American Historical Association an appropriation of three hundred dollars was voted to finance the activities of a field agent for the summer of 1932. This agent was to gather as much as possible of written and printed records relating to the Norwegians in America into the archives of the Association at Northfield, Minnesota. It was felt that there must be a large amount of such records scattered about in Norwegian- American homes and elsewhere that would in time be lost or destroyed unless some effort was made to obtain and preserve them. The late Professor O. E. Rölvaag had gathered a considerable collection of material, chiefly books, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings, with some manuscripts. Dr. Theodore C. Biegen, Mr. Gunnar J. Malmin, and others had also added to the archives. The work of Professor Rölvaag in actually gathering materials , coupled with the interest in such matters that he inspired, made an excellent beginning for this phase of the work of the Association. The employment of a field agent was to be in the nature of an experiment, none having been sent out by the Association previously. The following report will enable the Association to judge the feasibility of making a field agent's work part of the annual program for several years to come. I Before actually starting out on field trips in search of records , it seemed desirable to obtain as much information as possible about the location of papers and documents desired 95 96 STUDIES AND RECORDS for the archives. Moreover, much could be done in the way of stirring up interest in the project. Both of these objectives were stressed continually throughout the period of my work as field agent and took a considerable part of my time. It was considered of almost equal importance with the work of actually obtaining documents, to try to arouse interest in the project, to make people conscious of the historical value of the papers and books in their possession or in the possession of others. The preliminary work was carried on principally along the following lines: the circulation of printed folders urging the preservation of records and listing the various kinds of records sought, with a view to obtaining information as to their location; newspaper publicity; radio talks; talks to the student bodies of schools and to other groups; and personal contacts. With the collaboration of Dr. Biegen a folder was written of which five thousand copies were printed. This folder contains an appeal for the preservation of the records of the Norwegians in America and lists twelve kinds of materials that are particularly desired. On the back is a blank form to be filled in with information as to the location of materials and the names of persons who might have or might know about the materials sought for the archives. The secretary of the Association was kind enough to have the folders sent to all the active members and also to a considerable number of pastors of Norwegian-Lutheran congregations. Folders were enclosed by the secretary in all Association mail and thus more people were reached; this will doubtless continue while the supply of folders lasts. The responses from those to whom folders were sent were many. Much information was obtained as to the location of collections of materials, and the names and addresses of a considerable number of people were sent in, many of whom were visited subsequently. The folder was used daily during the field trips, and it served as an invaluable aid in NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN RECORDS 97 introducing and explaining the work that was being undertaken . Numbers of folders were left in general stores and other public places in Norwegian communities where they might be picked up and read. They were also distributed at the gatherings at which I spoke in the interest of the archives. The folder proved a most effective agent of propaganda and an invaluable aid. It was hoped to obtain the cooperation of the NorwegianAmerican newspapers and other publications in stirring up interest in the preservation...