nia collection

Click here to go to the NIA Collection, the website of our research database. To date, all the information and images presented at the exhibit, "Norwegians in New York: 1825 to 2000" have been computerized and are available to everyone with no charge.

This is a collection developed and planned by the NIA to explore the ethnic influence that helped shape the history and development of New York. Images come from the exhibit, Norwegians in New York: 1825 to 2000. The photos and documents included focus on Norwegian individuals born or raised for a large portion of his or her life in the New York vicinity. Many made significant contributions beyond their own personal and family life to the character of this area.

The photographs add to the visual understanding of what New York physically looked like during the different phases of the Norwegian immigrants' adaptation to life in the United States. From the religious institutions that gave roots to the immigrant's life to the bridges, buildings, subways and homes they designed and built - the photographs bring to life "Norwegians in New York."

The NIA developed this gallery for those who cannot visit Heritage Hall or the Research Center.  A generous donation from the Society of Norwegian American Engineers made it possible to buy hardware, and a good deal of necessary software.  Now, everyone has access to historical images and information about Norwegian urban immigrants, never before available in one place.

The information is being collected from hundreds of people and sources.  After the exhibit, featured at the Ellis Island Museum in 2000, interest in the Norwegian immigrant life has soared.  Did the exhibit awaken deep interest in this story? Or is it that many people had gathered an abundance of stories and memories, but had no opportunity or venue in which to make them known?  Whatever the reason, new information comes in almost daily.  Our goal is to continue to collect and digitize as much material as time and people-power permit.