Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project 
The Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project is a Sesquicentennial project created by Norwegian bygdelags.
Bygdelags are national organizations of descendants of Norwegian immigrants from specific areas of Norway. Focusing on genealogy and culture, they offer expert assistance for researchers interested in specific valleys and communities in Norway. The Norwegian-American Genealogical Center in Madison WI is not affiliated with the bygdelags, but is a vital part of the Norwegian-American community with extensive resources that have identified and tracked Norwegian immigrants.
You don't have to be a member of any of the participating organizations to apply for recognition. If you are interested in genealogy, however, these organizations provide a treasure trove of information and perspective on the lives of your Norwegian ancestors.
Hadeland is an area just north of Oslo in Oppland County, Norway. It is made up of the townships of Gran, Jevnaker and Lunner. Gran includes the historic township of Brandbu. The Hadeland Lag will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2010.
Hallingdal is a mountain valley in Buskerud County. Hallinglag celebrated its centennial in 2007.
Land is also located in Oppland County and is made up of the townships of North and South Land. Landingslaget will also celebrate its centennial in 2010.
The west central coast of Norway is served by Nordfjordlaget, which was established in 1909.
This lag, organized in 1995, includes 16 kommuner in three districts of Nord Østerdal, Sør Østerdal, and Hedemarken/Hamar: Alvdal, Elverum, Engerdal, Folldal, Hamar, Løten, Os, Rendalen, Ringsaker, Stange, Stor-Elvdal, Tolga, Trysil, Tynset, Vang, and Amot.
The premier facility for Norwegian-American Genealogical Research, it was until last year associated with the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, IA. Now an independent organization, NAGC is located in Madison Wisconsin.
Opdal is the southernmost township in South Trøndelag County on the west coast of Norway. The lag was first organized in 1920 and continued until the 1940's. It was reorganized in 2002.
Ringerike-Drammen DistrictsRDD represents the communities in eastern Buskerud County, including Ringerike township and Ådal, Hønefoss, and Norderhov; Hole; Modum; Upper Eiker; North Eiker; Drammen, Bragernes, Strømso, and Skoger; Lier; Røyken and Hurum.
Romerikslaget represents Akershus and Oslo in Norway. One of the youngest bygdelags, it was organized in 1990.
Telelaget celebrated its centennial in 2007. Its members are descendants of immigrants from all parts of Telemark County in western Norway.
Toten Lag covers the kommunes (townships) of Gjøvik and East & West Toten in Oppland County, Norway. The lag will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2010.
Trønderlag is celebrating its centennial in 2008. Its members are descendants of immigrants from the Trøndelag region on the west coast of Norway.
We invite any interested non-profit organization to participate in the project.
