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Founder & Current Leadership

Gerhard NaesethProfessor GERHARD B. NAESETH

The core of the Genealogical Center research collection was assembled by Gerhard B. Naeseth (1913-1994), who was internationally renowned in the field of Norwegian and Norwegian-American genealogy and immigration.

A former University of Wisconsin professor, Naeseth served as associate director for the libraries of the University of Wisconsin from 1948-1978. During his tenure at the University of Wisconsin, he helped build one of the largest collections of Norwegian local & genealogical history in the United States.

Following his retirement, he administered the Genealogical Center, beginning in his home and later in the present quarters. In 1990, the genealogical research library was named in his honor. In 1993, he completed and published volume one of his massive research, “Norwegian Immigrants to the United States: A Biographical Guide, 1825-1850.”

In 2001, the Genealogical Center established the Gerhard B. Naeseth Chair for Genealogical Research and Publication as a tribute to his lifetime accomplishments in the field of Norwegian and Norwegian-American genealogy.

Board Chairman Paul Larson (left) thanks former Board Chairman Lowell Olberg for his years of service to NAGC. December 2017

Board of Directors

Paul Larson
Chairman
Waunakee, Wisconsin
Robert M. Fossum
Chetek, Wisconsin
Anne V. Lindblom
Vice Chairman
Verona, Wisconsin
Scott R. Johnson
Madison, Wisconsin
John W. Thompson
Treasurer
Madison, Wisconsin
Ann Leon
Madison, Wisconsin
Ken Larson
Secretary
Batavia, Illinois
Christine Milligan-Ciha
Stoughton, Wisconsin
Lowell Olberg
Chairman Emeritus
Wheaton, Illinois
Ellen Smithback
Stoughton, Wisconsin
Paul M. Berge
Middleton, Wisconsin
Gary Smithback
Stoughton, Wisconsin

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By becoming a member, you not only gain benefits for your family history research, you also support a worthy cause.

Your annual membership helps you, your family, and a wide community discover their roots and preserve a treasured heritage.

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Support NAGC & NL

NAGC & NL relies upon donations of all types from its members and friends throughout the world.

All gifts, whether large or small, are essential to the work of the Center, an important non-profit organization of international scope that is dedicated to preserving Norwegian-American history and heritage.

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Testimonials

“We recognize the importance of this work to the Norwegian-American community, as well as to Norwegians themselves. And you do it very, very well. I know from personal experience your staff is amazing. As a volunteer guide at Vesterheim, I often get inquiries about ancestors and genealogy. It’s great to be able to refer them to you with enthusiasm and confidence.”

- David (Iowa)

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