Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project Contribute a Story
Stories of the Early Norwegian Settlers in Minnesota
The project welcomes submissions of stories that help us understand what life was like in the Norwegian settlements of the 1850's. We have just a few guidelines for submission:
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Submissions must not have been previously published by someone other than the submitter.
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Length of submission should be between 500 and 5000 words. Basic biographical information submitted on pioneer applications will appear in the Pioneer Biography section without further action.
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Submissions must be based in fact and non-fiction in nature. Using fictionalized conversations or characters may help tell a story, but can also make it difficult to identify the work as history rather than historical fiction.
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Subject matter must be directly related to Norwegian settlements or settlers' lives during the 1850's.
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The submission should be of interest and value beyond the immediate family of the submitter. The focus of the story must be 1850's Minnesota and should not simply be an extended biography that covers the whole life of a Statehood Pioneer. For example, a story about a family's struggle during the winter of 1858 helps paint a picture of Norwegian life in Minnesota at the time of statehood that can inform all of its readers.
The editors of the book reserve the right to reject any submission for any reason.
Submitting the names of Statehood and Century Pioneers
If you apply for a certificate, the name of your pioneer(s) and the date and place of residence will automatically be listed in the Heritage Book. Biographies and photographs submitted with Statehood Pioneer applications will also be included automatically.
We want to recognize as many of our pioneer ancestors as possible. If you do not want to purchase a plaque or certificate, or if you have additional family members you'd like to have recognized, simply write "Book Only" at the top of the application. There is no charge for including pioneers in the Heritage book. Proof of residence at the time of statehood (Statehood Pioneers) or on the date of Minnesota residence shown on the application (Century Pioneers) is required for "Book Only" applications. Proof of descendancy is not necessary for these submissions. Statehood Pioneers (those who were in Minnesota in 1858) can submit a biography of up to 500 words and a photo that will be included in the biography section of the book.
Mail your "Book Only" applications to NSPP, 6938 State Hwy 200 NW Laporte MN 56461 by December 31, 2008.
How to Submit Your Pioneer Story
Stories should be submitted as text documents (digital pictures accepted in any format) attached to an email sent to
info@mn-nspp.org You can also mail your story and any pictures to NSPP, 6938 State Hwy 200 NW, Laporte MN 56461.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: DECEMBER 31, 2008 (The deadline was originally September 15th. It was changed to allow more pioneer descendants to participate.)
