Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to come to Decorah with public lecture at Luther College and visit to Vesterheim

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College and Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, will welcome Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, to Decorah this September.

Huitfeldt will give a lecture on Luther’s campus at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music. The talk is free and open to the public; it will conclude around 12:30 p.m.

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Huitfeldt oversees Norway’s diplomatic relationships with other nations, including the U.S. The talk will focus on Norway’s foreign policy objectives. Huitfeldt has served in the position since October 2021 and has held multiple positions in the Norwegian government including Minister of Labor and Social Inclusion and Minister of Equality.

“As the first college founded by Norwegian-American immigrants, the connection to Norway remains an important cornerstone for the college today not just for our heritage, but also for contemporary ties,” said Maren Johnson, associate professor of Nordic Studies at Luther.  “We are honored to welcome Minister Huitfeldt to Luther and are excited for her to share about Norway’s foreign policy priorities with a public audience. Her presence reinforces the strength of the connection between Luther, Vesterheim, Decorah and Norway.”

After concluding her time at Luther College, Huitfeldt will head to Vesterheim to kick off a week of celebration for the opening of the new Commons building at Vesterheim in downtown Decorah. Her visit includes a tour of the museum campus and private dinner and ribbon cutting in the Commons, which will be the first official event in the new building.

Beginning Sept. 23, Vesterheim will offer free admission all week in addition to two free online events. It culminates in a public dedication and celebration of the completion of the Commons at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, on Water Street in front of the Commons building. The public is welcome to come and celebrate with entertainment, demonstrations and refreshments. Find more details about the events at vesterheim.org

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.