Vesterheim’s new exhibit features photography by National Geographic Explorer Erika Skogg

DECORAH — Visit Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, for a new exhibit, “Scandinavian American: Photography by National Geographic Explorer Erika Skogg,” opening Saturday.

This exhibit is a collection of photos by Skogg, which was part of a project funded by the National Geographic Society. The photos depict the lifestyle, celebrations and traditions of Scandinavian-American communities throughout the Midwest.

Servers Kara Caldecott and Betsy Cornelius arrive to work at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, Wis. Visit Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, for a new exhibit, “Scandinavian American: Photography by National Geographic Explorer Erika Skogg,” opening Saturday. (Vesterheim)

The images in the exhibition feature Americans of Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish ancestry in the communities of Decorah; Hancock, Mich.; Ephraim, Wis.; Pequot Lakes, Minn.; and Lindsborg, Kan.

Skogg is a photographer, educator and National Geographic Explorer with experience documenting cultural stories from the United States to Morocco, Greenland, Iceland, Colombia and beyond. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Skogg’s most recent photographic research is closer to home and driven by the desire to immerse, understand and visually preserve the region’s Scandinavian and Nordic culture. In 2018, Skogg received a National Geographic Storytelling Grant for her project “Scandinavian American” to document the Upper Midwest’s cultural connections to its emigrant history and promote an interest in one’s own genealogy.

Visit vesterheim.org for information about upcoming presentations by Skogg to discuss her Scandinavian-American visual essay, her path to becoming a National Geographic Explorer, and how she approaches visual storytelling.

Mark Hepokoski of Hancock, Mich., explains the Finnish-American tradition of putting a broom outside your front door. Visit Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, for a new exhibit, “Scandinavian American: Photography by National Geographic Explorer Erika Skogg,” opening Saturday. (Vesterheim)

This exhibition is supported by Janet and Rob Coe and the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation.

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.