Landingslaget is pleased to announce its participation in the Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project. Created to celebrate Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial, Landingslaget is joining with other organizations to honor the pathfinder Norwegian immigrants who were here when the state was born in 1858,  and who provided the foundation for the waves of Norwegian immigrants that arrived in the decades that followed.

The project’s Recognition Program acknowledges the contributions of our Norwegian ancestors that lived in Minnesota at the time of statehood.  Direct descendants of Norwegian Statehood Pioneers are encouraged to apply for recognition for their Pioneer Ancestors.  Our members can apply for just $15, and non-members for $25.  Descendants of documented Statehood Pioneers will receive a wooden plaque in the shape of Minnesota that bears the name of their Pioneer Ancestor. This quality keepsake will connect the lives of the Statehood Pioneers with the history of the state of Minnesota for generations to come.   NOTE: Effective November 15th, the application fee for Statehood Pioneers will increase to $35 for non-members and $25 for members. 

For those whose ancestors arrived before 1908, the Statehood Project offers a Century Certificate that acknowledges the contributions of those who helped settle all areas of Minnesota.  Visit the NSPP website for an application.  The cost of certificates is just $10.

In February of 2009, the project will publish a Heritage Book that will include all of the articles printed in participating organization newsletters,  the biographies and photos submitted with Recognition applications,  and photos and a recap of the October Sesquicentennial Celebration.  Pre-publication book orders are currently being accepted.  Gift cards for Christmas or non-specific giving will be provided free of charge.  The special pre-publication price is $20 plus $3 shipping.  Books will be shipped as soon as they are published.   Pre-order form

In 2008, Minnesota celebrates 150 years of statehood, and our Norwegian ancestors were among the first to call it home.  Join us in this year long celebration of Minnesota’s history and our Norwegian-Minnesotan heritage!

For pictures of the Landingslaget mini-stevne at Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota and the Norwegian-Minnesotan Sesquicentennial Celebration held on October 18, 2008  CLICK HERE

Requirements:

Norwegian Statehood Pioneers must be Norwegian immigrants or descendants of Norwegian immigrants and have been residents of Minnesota when it became a state in 1858.  Applicants must be direct descendants of the pioneer, but do not have to reside in Minnesota.  Only one pioneer or pioneer couple per application.

Proof of Residence for the pioneer must be submitted with the application. An individual who arrived in Minnesota after 1858 or left Minnesota before 1858 is not eligible for recognition.  Documents that support the premise that the individual lived in Minnesota on May 11, 1858 include:

    -The 1857 Minnesota Territorial Census

     -Excerpts from 19th/early 20th century County History books

    -Copies of church records (a statement from current clergy about the content of old records is sufficient)

     -News articles or family bibles from that time period

     -Census records that show children born in Minnesota in 1858, or both before and after 1858, are acceptable. 

     -The text of a recent family history without additional documentary evidence is not acceptable.

Proof of Descent for each generation from the pioneer to the applicant is also required.  Copies of census records, birth/death records, church records,  published obituaries and funeral cards are examples of acceptable documentation.