Storytelling and immigration are focus of upcoming workshops

Two upcoming workshops will discuss history, immigration and the art of storytelling.

The first course, “History Tell Story – Story Tell History” is directed by Dr. Odell Bjerkness, author and retired professor.

Bjerkness will introduce the topic of story while sharing his own story of how the immigration experience has shaped his life and writing.

This session is Monday, September 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Library. There is no charge, however, registration is required. Participants are asked to bring a photo that is part of their personal story.

Bjerkness, professor emeritus at Concordia College in Moorhead and former director of the Concordia Language Villages, is a widely recognized author. He has received the prestigious Order of St. Olav’s medal from Kong Olav of Norway, and Luther College’s Distinguished Alumni award. His books include Montevideo 1860-1930: Through Their Eyes & In Their Words, History of the Valdres Valley: The 28 Stave Churches of Norway, and The Prince and the Nanny: The Life of Prince Harald, now King of Norway.

On Thursday, September 29, a session entitled “Perspective on Settlement and Immigration in Douglas County” will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Nelson Wellness Center Governor’s Room in Alexandria.

This session, led by Douglas County Historical Society executive director and historian Rachel Barduson and her colleagues, takes a close-up look at local immigration history and trends in Douglas County.

Participants will be shown the patterns of settlement where immigrants claimed their place in the county seat and gain new perspective on how this county came to be.

The cost of the session is $15.

Refreshments and conversation will follow both sessions.

The courses are part of a special short course series titled “Everyone Has a Story,” offered to engage residents to discover their shared stories and history.

For detailed session descriptions or to register, visit the website www.alexandria.k12.mn.us/ce or call (320) 762-3310.

The series is made possible with a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Commission and collaboration of Alexandria Community Education, Douglas County Historical Society, Alexandria Cultural Inclusiveness Committee, Diversity Resource Action Alliance, Alexandria branch of American Association of University Women and Friends of the Library.

Tags: variety, workshops