Creating & enhancing connections for Norwegian Americans with their heritage.

We are an organization focused on genealogy, family history and providing assistance to those seeking to connect with and learn more about their Trønder history and heritage.

About Trønderlag of America

Group of people holding a Tronderlag of America banner

Who We Are

Why Trønderlag of America?

An authentic group focused on a specific region of Norway.

We are a group of ordinary folks of Norwegian ancestry, specifically with roots in the fylke (county) of Trøndelag, who seek to help others Trønder descendants connect with their heritage. We do this through genealogy (family history) resources, group events that facilitate fellowship among Trønder descendants, and group trips to Norway that allow us to reconnect with our heritage in a very tangible way.

We're real people with a real passion for and commitment to our Trønder heritage.

Become a Member Today

Who We Are & What We Do

We are a "bygdelag" (an organization which focuses on a specific area of Norway). Our focus is on the Trøndelag region and North American descendants of "Trønders" (people from Trøndelag).
We work to create, enhance and maintain connections among the descendants of people from the Trøndelag area of Norway, and to maintain a bond between Trønders in North America and Norway.
We focus on genealogy and family history, maintain a large research library, and provide assistance to those seeking to learn more about their Trønder history.

Tronderlag of America members marching in a parade in Trondheim Norway.

Every five years we travel to Trøndelag in Norway for family history research and to visit family and friends. Our travel also takes us to many fascinating parts of Norway.

Tours

We hold an annual meeting, called a "stevne", which is members' chance to connect in person with others who love this part of Norway. Members can also take part in genealogy labs.

Stevne

We maintain a collection of research materials, targeted at North and South Trøndelag, which is believed to be among the largest in the world for the region.

Genealogy

"Trøndelag" vs "Trønderlag"?

Trøndelag (without an "r") is the name of a region of Norway.
People from Trøndelag call themselves "Trønders".
A lag (in Norwegian) is a club or organization.
Trønderlag (with an "r"), then, is the name of an organization of Trønders.

Explore Trøndelag

Trønderlag of America is one of the many "bygdelags".

In Norway, a bygd - pronounced "big-dh", is a region or district (tied together by common traditions). The word is a variation on the word bygge (to build) or a "built up place".

Like many groups of immigrants, Norwegians from the same area wanted a connection to the "old country" and started attending a convention each year to maintain this link. Attendance could range from the hundreds to the thousands. These groups were called "bygdelags" (organizations of people from the same area with the same interests).

We are part of the Norwegian-American Bygdelagenes Fellesraad (NABF), the national council for the twenty-nine (currently active) affiliated Norwegian-American Bygdelag. NAFB, which acts as the "umbrella" organization over many bygdelags, was founded on November 17, 1916. As such, the Fellesraad has been continuously active in the bygdelag movement for over one hundred years. Their website explains its purpose and lists information about each of the bygdelags. You may find information about your Norwegian heritage in more than one.

Visit the NABF Website

Our Goals

1. Preserve Heritage

Aid in the preservation of Norwegian history, culture and heritage for coming generations by collecting and preparing historical information and data relative to immigration and settlement and to encourage research and writing of family, immigration and settlement histories.

2. Maintain Relationships

Maintain communication and working relationships between the members of Trønderlag and other related organizations with Norwegian Heritage.

3. Develop Resources

Develop and maintain a library of resources, such as bygdebøker (farm histories), Norwegian church and government records and other such genealogical information.

4. Enhance Fellowship

Maintain and enhance fellowship among the descendants of people from the Trøndelag area of Norway and to maintain a bond between Trønders in North America and Norway.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Trønderlag of America, the glue that holds the entire thing together.

"Dugnad" (volunteering) is a Norwegian tradition which is a key contributor to the happiness and sense of fulfillment for which Nordic people are known.

We invite you to be a part of helping achieve our goals! Your unique talents, skills and knowledge are gifts you can share to make a meaningful difference.

Trønderlag of America Leadership

Trønderlag of America is governed by a Board of Directors who work as a team to keep the organization working for the benefit of our members. This board of volunteers is made up of 5 officers who serve 3-year terms, as well as a group of 6 chairs/directors appointed by the President and approved by a majority of the officers. Genealogist, Newsletter Editor, Historian, Public Relations Director, and two General (“at large”) Board Members.

We are always looking for volunteers to step into leadership and committee roles, so please contact us if you are interested in contributing your talents and skills to Trønderlag of America. Tusen Takk!

Board of Directors

Officers

Karen Erickson Mullen

Secretary

(click for bio)

Jon Satrum

Treasurer & Membership

Chairs / Directors

Joy Haugan Williams

At Large Board Member

(click for bio)

Duane Haugen

At Large Board Member

Historian (temporary)

(click for bio)

Robert Fossum

Newsletter Editor (pro tem)

(click for bio)

Committees and Key Volunteers

In addition to our volunteer board members, we have a few committees to help with other vital functions of the lag. We invite you to inquire about serving on these committees. It's a great way to get to know other lag members and help us continue to build and maintain a healthy group!

Jon Satrum

Audit Committee

(open)

Aarbok Committee

Sam Christenson and Gerald Frisbie

Stevne Committee

(open)

Webmaster Committee

Jon Satrum

Nominating Committee

Margit Bakke

Genealogy & Social Media

You can learn more about our leadership and committee roles as outlined in our Constitution and Bylaws.

Trøndelag Bylaws

Our History

From a small start in 1908 to spanning the U.S., Canada and beyond!

In March of 1904 a group of Trønders met to plan a Trønderlaget stevne but failed. After some effort Trønderlaget (later Tronderlag of America) was created on September 17, 1908 at Fergus Falls, Minnesota.There were 120 charter members but before the next stevne, more than 400 joined. In 1925 the membership had grown to 2,556 to become one of the largest stevner.

Today we have a rich history with hundreds of members scattered across three countries plus Norway itself!

More Trønderlag History

Philanthropy

As our financial position allows, Trønderlag of America makes donations to organizations/causes in the U.S. and Norway, especially if there is a connection to Trøndelag.

Giving Stories

Support Us

Your donation helps us expand our research materials. Trønderlag of America, is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

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