Virtual Galleries

Vesterheim’s impressive collection numbers more than 59,000 objects, buildings, artworks, documents, and photographs. Here, you can see a selection from the collection. Enjoy decorative woodcarving, Norwegian rosemaling (decorative painting), jewelry and metalworking, textiles (including knitting, weaving, and folk costume), fine arts, and historical images.

Hover over a photo-tile for basic information on the item. Click on the photo-tile for a full view of the item and additional information, such as dimensions and source. There are additional views of some items.

At this time, only a sampling of Vesterheim’s collection is online. The online Virtual Galleries do not include works by living artists.

Questions about these or other objects in Vesterheim’s collection can be sent to info@vesterheim.org.

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Collection
Three individuals ride goats.

Riding Goats

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Two children, young boy riding in carriage behind goat and girl is feeding it, both are dressed nicely.

Larsen Farm Colfax, WI

Unknown
Colfax, WI
Unknown
Historical Images
Man and woman pose for photo, while woman walks towards camera.

People On Eastward Voyage of SS Kristianiafjord

1913
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Three people on a boat.

People On Boat

1949
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Six people on a sailboat.

People On Boat

1948
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Ten men and farm animals inside playing instruments.

The Thorstern Skarning Norwegian Hill Billies Twin Cities

Unknown
Twin Cities, MN
Unknown
Historical Images
Man with pipe on bike with two children in basket on front of bike.

Oslo, June 1945

1945
Oslo, Norway
Unknown
Historical Images
Five individuals outside a house. Three sit on a bench while two stand beside.

Olaf Bernts, two daughters, Eldrid, Norma, wife, and unknown

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Large group of family outside of home, DeForest, WI.

DeForest, WI

Unknown
DeForest, WI
Unknown
Historical Images
A woman, Nora Bernts, sits on a donkey in front of a waterfall.

Nora Bernts At Seven Falls South Cheyenne Canon Colorado Springs CO

Unknown
Colorado Springs, CO
Unknown
Historical Images
A man stands outside of a large house.

Moreteruds Lillehamar

1921
Lillehamar, Norway
Unknown
Historical Images
Two women and two men pose for photo outside of house.

Ola and Disa Berger and Sons Osmund Norway

Unknown
Norway
Unknown
Historical Images
Group of men pose for photo with Bishop Brockman at Washington Prairie.

Bishop Brockman of Norway at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church

Unknown
Decorah, IA
Unknown
Historical Images
Group of women part of Ladies Aid for Big Canoe Church, sit around a table

Ladies Aid Big Canoe Church

Unknown
Decorah, IA
Unknown
Historical Images
Bishop Brockmen visits in Decorah. Many cars are lined up along a road.

Bishop Brockman of Norway in Decorah IA

Unknown
Decorah, IA
Unknown
Historical Images
Approximately thirteen adults sit outside around a table drinking coffee.

Decorah Coffee Party

1809
Decorah, IA
Unknown
Historical Images
Group of women at farm with many horse and buggies.

Run Creek Ladies Aid

1890
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
A small child, Miles Comwall, holds a fish.

Miles Comwall

1942
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Man in a boat holds a goat. Town in the background on coast.

Man and Goat on Boat

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Three young adults work with hay in field.

Three Young Adults Work in Field

Unknown
Unknown
Herbjørn Gausta
Historical Images
Large group photo of members of the church. Christmas tree decorated and Norwegian flag behind.

Florida Escambia Co Pensacola Norwegian Seamans Church

1895
Florida
Unknown
Historical Images
Three people in foreground sit on ground. Two men in background sit on ground.

Five Individuals Sit on Ground

1894 or 1899
Jyrusdal (Jørisdal) Farm, Hovin, Telemark
Herbjørn Gausta
Historical Images
Seven individuals dressed up to act.

Brooklyn Play Acting

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Young woman knitting by child sleeping in bed.

Young Woman and Child

Unknown
Unknown
Herbjørn Gausta
Historical Images
Two women and child inside working.

Two Women Working Inside

Unknown
Unknown
Herbjørn Gausta
Historical Images
About sixteen people sit around a table outside. Two young children are standing on the end of the table, posing for the photo.

Large Family Outdoor Gathering

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
Trinity Lutheran Church School parade down street. Women in folk dresses, Norwegian and American flags flying.

Trinity Lutheran Church School

1970s
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images
A husband and wife push their baby in a stroller down the sidewalk in a city.

Husband, Wife, and Baby

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Historical Images