Home

About Us

President's Corner

Become a Member

Make a Donation

Tour the Park

Hours

Contact Us

President's Corner

All I want for Christmas…

With Christmas right around the corner, my kids have been busy reviewing the weekend shopping inserts and planting seeds as to what they would like to receive for Christmas. That got me thinking about what I would like for the future of Scandinavian Heritage Association.

Over the past two years as president, I have been blessed to receive many gifts; gifts of time, talents, experience, giving, and friendship. It has truly been a rewarding experience and one that I will forever cherish. The dedication and devotion that I have seen from so many volunteers, directors, and the membership have been nothing short of extraordinary.

But, as with any administration, there are still things yet unfinished; there is always more work to be done in any vital, flourishing organization. And so it is with Scandinavian Heritage Association. Yes, I, too, have a list of things I would like to see come to pass for this special organization.

Earlier this year, we opened a meaningful dialog with Dr. David Fuller, President of Minot State University. In June, Dr. Fuller and a delegation of Minot State University administrators accompanied Minot’s Mayor and other city officials as part of a Minot-Skien sister city delegation that visited Norway and other Scandinavian countries. In addition to participating in the sister-city delegation, Dr. Fuller had visits and discussions with Telemark University in Norway, American College of Norway in Moss, Ostfold University College in Halden, Norway, Kristianstad University in Sweden, and Aalborg University in Denmark. Discussions with the universities focused on student and faculty exchanges, study tours, study abroad, and Scandinavian Studies curricula.

Scandinavian Heritage Association met with Dr. Fuller and expressed an interest in establishing an ongoing relationship focused on developing student exchanges and other cross-cultural partnerships. So first, as part of this new working relationship, I would like to see SHA develop a programs-based mission focused on the sponsoring of programs like youth language camps and student and faculty exchange programs, in partnership with Minot State University, Norsk Hostfest, and the various heritage societies.

Next, I’d like to see even more ways to showcase Scandinavian Heritage Park, the “Crown Jewel of Minot.” One way to do this is to make it available for visitors around the world. Discussions are currently under way to produce a 30-minute DVD, showcasing the beauty of the park and capturing the history of our Scandinavian ancestors. Along with this DVD, we are discussing the production of an audio tour of the park, where visitors could enjoy a self-guided tour that would present the history and splendor of the park.

Lastly, I’d ask for a maintenance trust to be established for the park to ensure that the beauty of this living cultural museum be maintained for years to come. I would propose the creation of the John Sinn Heritage Trust, named in honor of our chief engineer and construction superintendent, John Sinn, without whose expertise and tireless effort many of the structures and splendor of the park would not have been possible. This would be a fitting and lasting tribute to John for all of his years of selfless dedication to Scandinavian Heritage Park.

And so it is; my Christmas wish list for 2007 and beyond. Oh, and that reminds me, I’ve got to get over to Wal-Mart to finish up my shopping, my kids just added more to their lists.

May you enjoy all of the blessings of this holiday season!

God Jul!

Yours truly,

 

Mark R. Anderson
President


For any other comments or questions please feel free to contact us at: 


Scandinavian Heritage Association, Inc.
1020 South Broadway
P.O. Box 862
Minot, ND 58702, USA

Phone: 701-852-9161
Email: scandha@srt.com
 


 

A Remembrance of the Past... a Legacy for the Future.