In 1825 a small sail ship with Norwegian immigrants arrived in America.

By the beginning of the next century, almost one third of Norway's male population, along with women and children, had followed.

The decision to leave Norway was not an easy one. Most sold their land and possessions to finance the trip, and only a few of the early immigrants ever saw their homeland again.

When homesick Norwegian settlers received letters from home, they were read and reread, and tucked away with the other family valuables to be passed from one generation to another.