Contact: Bob Hanson at 763-441-4463
The Valdres Samband was the first Norwegian bygdelag, founded in 1899. A bygdelag is a “community organization” and the Samband unites North Americans whose ancestors immigrated from the Valdres Valley in Oppland County, Norway. The Samband has a membership of over 1,000 families with a common interest in learning more about the history and culture of their ancestors’ home area and exploring their family’s genealogy.
The Samband sponsors a “stevne” or yearly gathering in June of each year. It allows members to come together to use the extensive collection of genealogical resources maintained by the Samband, attend classes and learn more about the Valdres Valley’s history, culture, and the lives of the immigrants in America, and enjoy the camaraderie of new friends – and newly discovered cousins.