Our 2005
tour to Land was filled with unforgettable moments and our
stories could fill many newsletters. Our collective story is told in pictures,
assembled by
Landingslag newsletter editor, Ann Edwards, at the bottom of
this page.
As in past
tours, we were received once again with the warm hospitality
that Norwegians are so famous for. We were honored to be
luncheon guests at the Storting, and dinner guests of the
mayors of Nordre and Søndre Land. Those of us who wanted
help with genealogy were given access to the resources of
Lands Museum and assistance from the museum staff. We
visited ancestral farms and churches, and along the way some
of us met with relatives from the area.
Prior to
our departure, the Landingslag Executive Board chose a
museum project to support with a financial
gift, which was presented to the museum at the Bygdedag on
Sunday, June 5th. Here are the words that
accompanied the gift:
“Last
time our lag visited Land we presented Lands Museum with a
Native American peace pipe, which was representative of the
American culture that has shaped the lives of the American
Landings. Today we present a gift which demonstrates our
connection to Land. Several months ago Alastair and I
discussed the desire of Landingslag to support a museum
project that involved a period of history when our ancestors
were still living in Land. When asked if there were any
ongoing projects or any wishes for future projects, Alastair
mentioned his hope that one day Lands museum would own a
replica of the bridal crown from Vest Oppland from the late
1700s or early 1800s that could be worn by brides of today.
The Landingslag executive board was enthusiastic about the
idea when it was presented to them. A project like this
would reflect our interest in our common heritage, but it
would also touch the lives of Landings of today and of the
future. With this in mind we decided to make a financial
contribution to Lands Museum, designated to this project. It
is our sincere hope that in the near future Lands Museum
will have its replica of the bridal crown, and that many
Landing brides will have the opportunity to wear it. When
they wear it, may they pause to reflect on the brides of the
past who wore it, and the on the rich heritage that is
theirs. We are honored to have this opportunity to
contribute to a project that connects our past with the
future of Land.”
As the
years between the immigration of our ancestors and the
present day increase in number, our connection to their
homeland diminishes and family ties become more distant.
There are a few steps that can be taken to maintain a close
relationship to the area, and to honor our ancestors who
left. It is heartwarming for me to see the Per Einbu relief
that stands at the entrance to Lands Museum. Contributed by
Ann Edwards, it stands as a memorial to those Landings who
immigrated to America. The periodic visits to Land by our
members give us an increased awareness of its history and
culture, and demonstrate our interest in the area and its
people. This latest project that we have chosen to support
is another expression of our interest in Land, past,
present, and future.
We will
observe our centennial year in 2010 and are planning to
visit Land once again as part of our celebration. I invite
you to join us and to be a part of this historic event.
Hilsen
Fra Sandy |