7+ Lag Stevne 2025 (from the Archives)

Norwegian Crossings 1825 – 2025
Austin, Minnesota | July 9 – 12, 2025

The Landings Lag Stevne committee has been hard at work planning an exciting event for this summer! Join us as we explore Norwegian history in Austin, MN, and enjoy engaging speakers covering a wide range of topics.

The Norwegian sloop called the Restauration sailing on the ocean — The Restauration

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton & Austin Conference Center
1701 4th St. NW, Austin, MN 55912

Hotel Accommodations

DoubleTree by Hilton – Special rate: $139/night (July 9-11, 2025)
Call 1-507-433-1000, press 1 then ask to be connected to the front desk at the Austin location to request the 7+ Lag Stevne block room rate.
Days Inn – Special rate: $107/night (July 9-11, 2025)
Conveniently located near DoubleTree. Call 1-507-299-5675, press 1 for new reservations, and request the 7+ Lag Stevne special event rate.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, July 9

11:00 AM – Tour & Lunch at St. Olaf Church, Austin
Afternoon Excursion: Carpool to Grand Meadow, MN for guided tours of:
- Bear Creek Norwegian Lutheran Church
- GAR Hall (Grand Army of the Republic), also known as Booth Post No. 130
- Grand Meadow Chert Quarry
Estimated Return: 5:00 PM

Thursday, July 10

8:00 AM – Registration, genealogy resources, and vendor exhibits
9:00 AM – Opening Session & Keynote Address by Dale Goodman (Vesterheim Museum, Decorah, IA) on the 1825 Restauration Sloop and its storied voyage.
Afternoon Classes
Evening – Individual Lag Meetings

Friday, July 11

Full Day – Genealogy, classes, and hospitality events
Banquet & Entertainment
- Featuring the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers: Kyle & Dave – a musical and comedic duo with a passion for Scandinavian storytelling.
  Past performances include Hostfest (Minot, ND), Nordic Fest (Decorah, IA), Syttende Mai (Stoughton, WI), and more.
  Learn more about Kyle & Dave

Saturday, July 12

9:00 AM – Closing Session

Featured Speakers & Topics

Dean Uland (Riverland Community College, Austin, MN) – Agriculture & history, immigration, and WWI topics.
Miranda Moen (Architect & Founder, MO/EN DESIGN PRACTICE, LLC, Austin, MN) – Norwegian-American architecture and its roots in Norway.
Karen Fried – Norwegian baking demonstration. Fun, Fun, Fun!
Thomas Jacobson – The role of Pastor Clausen in establishing Norwegian mission churches.
Caitlin Sackrison, PhD – Norwegian studies scholar specializing in women settlers.
Candace Simar – Poet and author passionate about Minnesota history and Scandinavian heritage (books available for sale).
George Olson (Totenlag President) – Presentation on the Restauration voyage.
Kelly Herness (UW-Madison student) – Insights from studying abroad in Norway.