Bygdebøker in American libraries
Here is a list of libraries across North America that hold Norwegian bygdebøker, i.e., local farm and family history books, in their collections.
If you are not familiar with bygdebøker, you might want to have a look at my article What is a bygdebok. You may also find what you are looking for at Bygdebøker available online.
The libraries in North America with the most substantial collections of bygdebøker are predominantly located in regions with a history of significant Norwegian immigration, especially the American Midwest. While finding a collection in Canada is less common, some universities may have them through partnerships or specialized collections.
American libraries
- University of North Dakota (Chester Fritz Library): This library in Grand Forks, ND, houses the Arne G. Brekke Bygdebok Collection, widely considered the largest collection of Norwegian farm and family histories outside of Norway. They offer a research service for those who can’t visit in person.
- University of Minnesota (Wilson Library): The libraries at this university in Minneapolis, MN, have an extensive collection of bygdebøker and other Norwegian local history materials. Many are available to the public through interlibrary loan.
- Norwegian-American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library
: Located in Madison, WI, this specialized center focuses on Norwegian genealogy and maintains an extensive collection of bygdebøker. - Family History Library (FHL)
: Operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, UT, the FHL holds a large collection of bygdebøker. - University of Wisconsin–Madison
: This university’s Memorial Library has a substantial collection of Norwegian local history materials, including bygdebøker. - St. Olaf College
: This college in Northfield, MN, also holds a collection of bygdebøker within its archives. - St. Louis County Library
: Located in St. Louis, MO, this library is actively collecting bygdebøker and offers free look-ups for indexed sources.
Canadian libraries
Finding extensive bygdebok collections in Canada is much more difficult, as the main centers for Norwegian-American research are in the U.S. However, some large national and university libraries may hold some volumes, though likely a smaller and more general collection.
- Library and Archives Canada: As the national archive, it holds a vast collection of published materials, which may include some bygdebøker. However, its primary focus is on Canadian history and records.
- University of Alberta (Rutherford Library): Edmonton, AB, has a significant Norwegian-Canadian community. University libraries in the prairie provinces, like the University of Alberta, are the most likely places to find relevant collections. Check their catalog for specific titles.
- Local museums and historical societies: In areas with a history of Norwegian immigration, such as parts of Alberta and British Columbia, local museums or Scandinavian-Canadian historical societies may hold small collections.
How to access the books
- Search online catalogs: Before visiting or requesting materials, check the library’s online catalog. For the large American collections, search “bygdebok” or the name of the specific town/parish you are researching.
- Interlibrary loan: Many libraries are willing to loan their books to other libraries. If your local library is part of an interlibrary loan network, this is a convenient option.
- Digitized versions: A growing number of bygdebøker are being digitized by the National Library of Norway (Nasjonalbiblioteket) and made available online. Many of these are restricted to users with a Norwegian IP address, but some older or out-of-copyright volumes are openly accessible.
Before you go
- Before traveling to any of these libraries, be sure to check their online catalogs to confirm they hold the specific bygdebok you need.
- Many bygdebøker are published in several volumes. Even though a book is titled “Bygdebok from ……..” does not necessarily mean that your ancestors are presented in that specific volume. Also, to follow your ancestors through time you may need access to several of the volumes of the bygdebok.
This overview of bygdebøker in American libraries is based on the information available to me at the time of writing. It is not exhaustive, and library holdings may change over time. If you know of additional libraries or updated information, you are warmly encouraged comment below or to contact me through the Contact page so the list can be improved.
