Culture
Historic Seed Savers Exchange Barn in Decorah to Open for Free Statewide Tour
Seed Savers Exchange will welcome visitors into the hayloft of its historic barn at Heritage Farm during Iowa’s 26th Annual All-State Barn Tour on September 19–20.
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Culture
Dark Norwegian Tales and Haunting Fiddle Music Come to Vesterheim in Decorah
Vesterheim will host “Makaber Antologi,” a free storytelling and music event featuring Norwegian folklore, history and Hardanger fiddle music, on October 16, 2026, in Hanson Vesterheim Commons.
Culture
Vesterheim’s c. 1850 Norwegian Drinking Bowl Links Decorah to Immigrant Folk Traditions
A carved drinking bowl at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah preserves Norwegian craftsmanship, symbolism and customs surrounding shared celebrations and farm life.
Culture
Bill and Kathi Wild Build a Lasting Connection With Vesterheim in Decorah
Since moving to Decorah in 2005, Bill and Kathi Wild have supported Vesterheim through photography, Heritage Park tours, philanthropy and volunteer service.
Culture Luther College
Free Decorah Summer Celebration Will Bring Music, Games and Treats to Whalen Cabin
Adults with special needs are invited to a free G2G Summer Celebration on Aug. 27 at Whalen Cabin near Phelps Park, with registration required by Aug. 24.
Culture
Vesterheim’s Online Rosemaling Program Will Turn Boreal Plants Into Contemporary Art
Vesterheim will host “Cultural Connections: Contemporary Rosemaling” online October 4, 2026, featuring artist Tara’s botanical designs and a demonstration of modern rosemaling techniques.
Culture
Vesterheim’s October Bokprat Takes Readers Into Henrik Ibsen’s “The Wild Duck”
Vesterheim will host a free online discussion of Henrik Ibsen’s 1884 play The Wild Duck on October 28, 2026, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Central time. Registration is required.
Culture
Seed Savers Exchange Announces Winners of 2026 Tomato Tasting at Heritage Farm
Twenty-two tomato varieties competed across three categories at Seed Savers Exchange’s 2026 Tomato Tasting, with winners selected by attendees. The event also received support from Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Mountain Rose Herbs and Streamworks.
Culture
Free Second Saturday at Vesterheim Offers Decorah Families Museum Access and Rosemaling Activity
Vesterheim will offer free museum admission and family activities on Saturday, Aug. 8, including a rosemaling-pattern activity from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Culture
Seed Savers Exchange Reaches Conservation Milestone as Global Review Sets New Priorities
Seed Savers Exchange says it became the first U.S. nonprofit genebank to undergo a comprehensive external assessment by the Crop Trust, a review that affirmed its community-based model while identifying three priorities for improving seed conservation.
Culture
A Tomato Saved From Four Seeds Is Now Growing at Heritage Farm
Seed Savers Exchange has added Peg O’ My Heart, a family tomato preserved by Virginia gardener Peg Davis, to its 2025 From the Collection catalog after growing 88 plants at Heritage Farm.