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.
Lowell Olberg and Paul Larson (past Board Chairmen) with 2020 Chairman of the Board of Directors John W. Thompson
2020 Board of Directors Officers (L-R): Gary Smithback (Vice Chairman), John W. Thompson (Chairman), Paul M. Berge (Treasurer) and Ken Larson (Secretary)
John W. Thompson Chairman Madison, Wisconsin | Ann Leon Madison, Wisconsin |
Gary Smithback Vice Chairman Stoughton, Wisconsin | Marg Listug Stoughton, Wisconsin |
Paul M. Berge Treasurer Middleton, Wisconsin | Christine Milligan-Ciha Stoughton, Wisconsin |
Ken Larson Secretary Batavia, Illinois | Peder Moren Madison, Wisconsin |
Robert M. Fossum Chetek, Wisconsin | Ellen Smithback Stoughton, Wisconsin |
Craig Gjerde Madison, Wisconsin | Paul Larson Chairman Emeritus Waunakee, Wisconsin |
Scott R. Johnson Madison, Wisconsin | Lowell Olberg Chairman Emeritus Wheaton, Illinois |
Rolf Killingstad Madison, Wisconsin |
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.
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.
“We wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for your RESEARCH LINKS page on your website. My daughter Sam's 6th grade final history project is on genealogy, and your page has been so helpful to her. She's an extremely hard-worker, and has been tirelessly researching this project for the past week. Your resources combined with her effort is sure to get her a winning mark.”
- Sara & Sam (Washington)