Bruenings broaden the reach of Vesterheim Education Program

Donors Keith and Amy Bruening of Decorah, are supporting parochial schools in Northeast Iowa by providing funds for fourth-grade students, who participate in the popular Vesterheim Pioneer Immersion Program. Students from Trinity Catholic School in Protivin, St. Benedict School in Decorah, and Notre Dame Catholic School in Cresco visit the museum, immersing themselves in the history and culture of nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century immigrants.

The program uses the Norwegian-American experience as a jumping-off point for exploring the experiences of other immigrant groups during the time period. Students use artifacts and archival materials to gain a better understanding of what it meant for immigrants to journey from their homelands and establish new lives in America. The students take part in activities like packing an immigrant trunk, constructing a "log" home, and completing a series of typical chores.

Featherlite, Inc., of Cresco, Iowa, also provides major support for the program, and Decorah Community Schools and North Winneshiek Schools are participating this year.

"Without the Bruenings's generous support, some students would not have the wonderful opportunity of this unique program," said Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim's registrar and coordinator of youth programs. For more information about the program or how to participate, contact Vesterheim at 563-382-9681.

Pictured: Arlan Quandahl, Vesterheim Director of Development; Amy and Keith Bruening; Steve Johnson; Vesterheim Executive Director; Kirsten Heine, Vesterheim Development Officer.