Celebrating Columbus
The small town of Columbus, N.D., was settled by Norwegian immigrants 100 years ago. When the town celebrated its centennial last year, former residents returned from all over the United States to meet family, childhood friends, and former schoolmates. For three short but hectic days, the calendar was turned back in time: Not since the days of the pioneers had so many people descended on Columbus, the place where it all began with an immigrant vision for the future.
During the three days of centennial celebrations, the Norwegian Footprints Project set up a small photo studio and invited residents of and visitors to Columbus to have their pictures taken. The result is a collection of photographs titled “Celebrating Columbus,” which portray both the centennial festivities as well as the story of this small town on the Great Plains and its contribution to Norwegian heritage in America. The photos and captions capture numerous stories of young people who packed up and moved on to study, find jobs, or because their family farm was sold. This out-migration is today a dilemma for Columbus, as well as similar communities. The rapid rate of depopulation threatens its very existence.
"Celebrating Columbus” is a 120-page book that contains close to 100 photographs by award-winning photographer Jan Johannessen. The text — largely based on interviews with residents and those who returned for the centennial activities — was written by Espen Arnold Hansen, a staff reporter with a Norwegian daily newspaper, Verdens Gang. Hansen and Johannessen hope the book may help future generations understand the times in which we live today.
$28 including U.S. shipping
To order call +46 70 274 90 66 or www.norwegianfootprints.com