The Norwegian‑American Genealogical Center (NAC) and its Naeseth Library are a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and providing access to records, literature, and research tools related to Norwegian‑American genealogy. The center is located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
Mission and Scope
The organization’s mission is to support individuals and families tracing Norwegian ancestry, as well as scholars studying Norwegian‑American immigration, settlement patterns, and cultural heritage. It maintains collections of primary source documents (e.g., parish registers, ship manifests, census records), secondary literature, and genealogical publications.
Facilities and Collections
- Naeseth Library: Named in honor of genealogist Gerald “Jerry” Naeseth, the library houses approximately 12,000 volumes, including books, periodicals, microfilms, and electronic databases focused on Norwegian‑American topics.
- Archives: The center preserves original and digitized records such as church books, emigration lists, naturalization papers, and family histories.
- Research Services: Staff and volunteers assist researchers in locating and interpreting records, and the center offers workshops, lectures, and online resources.
History
The NAC was founded in the late 20th century (established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1978). The Naeseth Library opened subsequently, consolidating the genealogical resources of several earlier Norwegian‑American societies. Gerald Naeseth, a prominent figure in the field, contributed extensively to the development of the center’s collections and programming.
Affiliations and Partnerships
The center collaborates with other genealogical and historical institutions, including the Norwegian Emigration Center in Norway, the National Archives, and local historical societies. It participates in interlibrary loan networks and contributes material to national genealogical databases.
Public Access
The Norwegian‑American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library is open to the public during regular business hours. Researchers can access materials on‑site, request copies, or utilize the center’s electronic catalog. Membership options are available for individuals and institutions.
Funding
The organization is funded through a combination of membership dues, donations, grants, and fundraising events. As a nonprofit, it relies on volunteer support for many of its programs.
Online Presence
The center maintains an official website that provides information about its collections, research guides, event calendars, and contact details. Some of its resources are available digitally through searchable databases and collaborative platforms.
Significance
The Norwegian‑American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library is recognized as a leading repository for genealogical research on Norwegian immigrants and their descendants in the United States, supporting both amateur family historians and academic researchers.
