When Bill and Kathi Wild moved to Decorah in 2005, they were not familiar with Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. They quickly noticed the museum’s positive effect on the community, however, and that observation led them to become involved in several parts of Vesterheim’s work.
Today, the retired couple contribute professional skills, volunteer time and financial support to a museum they see as an important part of Decorah. Their involvement includes photography, tours, exhibit support, annual giving and participation in museum-related events.
Photography and tours connect the Wilds with Vesterheim
Bill has repeatedly lent his camera and photography expertise to Vesterheim. His contributions have included working in the archives to photograph artifacts, creating product photographs for the museum store and helping fill store shelves with prints of his work.
That work draws on a career in which Bill ran a successful commercial photography studio. The business gave him many opportunities to travel, and he has continued using those skills after retirement. In addition to helping Vesterheim, he volunteers photography services to local businesses and displays his work in galleries.
Kathi contributes to Vesterheim in a different way. She is a volunteer tour guide for Heritage Park and its historic buildings, a role that has allowed her to interact with the museum more deeply while helping visitors understand the sites and collections connected with Norwegian-American history.
The couple’s connection to the region predates their arrival in Decorah. Both grew up in Waverly, Iowa, then lived in the Chicago area for about 35 years before moving back to Iowa. They are now retired.
Travel, quilting and history
Vesterheim’s profile also describes interests the Wilds pursue beyond their museum service. Kathi has worked in contract writing, business management and administrative work at her church. During the last couple of years, she has taken up quilting, and she debuted her work at the Winneshiek County fair during the summer described in the profile.
Bill enjoys reading and has a particular interest in World War II history. Both have maintained a passion for travel throughout their lives. In recent years, they have taken several international guided tours, including tours to Norway organized through Vesterheim.
Earlier in their lives, the couple often planned and handled their own travel. More recently, they have appreciated being able to sit back and leave the planning to others, according to Vesterheim’s account of their experiences.
Support tied to exhibits and events
The Wilds have generously supported many Vesterheim projects over the years. They belong to Vennskap, the museum’s Annual Giving Society, and have earned a bronze-level Kroneklubben certificate recognizing their cumulative lifetime giving.
They particularly appreciate having their support connected to specific exhibits or events that can draw people into the museum who might not otherwise interact with it. Vesterheim recently connected recognition of their support with A Dying Norway in a Living America?, a photographic exploration of differences between Norwegian and Norwegian-American culture.
Their support has also been associated with Vesterheim’s exhibit on local artist Carl Homstad, the annual Norwegian Christmas celebration and the new Hanson Vesterheim Commons building. Together, those connections reflect the different ways the couple participate in the museum: Bill through images and technical skills, Kathi through visitor engagement, and both through giving and sustained participation.
Vesterheim’s profile directs people who want to help the museum to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Questions can be directed to Chivonne Marlow, director of visitor services, at [email protected] or 563-382-9681, extension 305.