The PURPOSE OF THE SOGNEFJORDLAG
  • To strengthen the cultural and social ties between immigrants from Sogn and their descendants.
  • To increase the understanding and appreciation of the Sogn area and its people.
  • To offer cultural exchange opportunities which help preserve the traditions of the Sogn area, while, at the same time, honoring the current customs which evolved as a result of the immigration movement.
  • To promote the rich folk art and folklore of Norway and to share with our fellow Americans, the spirit of our Norwegian ancestry.

The GOALS OF THE SOGNEFJORDLAG
  1. Keep loving remembrances of old Norway, the land of our ancestors
  2. Preserve the knowledge of the people of the Sognefjord area and their history, materials and arts
  3. Foster knowledge and friendship between the people of this area of Norway and the people of America.
  4. Nurture and encourage interests that will benefit and honor Sogn here and in Norway
  5. Work at maintaining a history of all people of the Sognefjord area.
The SOGNEFJORDLAG IN AMERICA is an organization of Sogning descendents living all over the US and Canada including members living in Norway.

The Sognefjordlag was organized on October 7, 1979 at the Sugar Creek Bible Camp in rural Ferryville, Wisconsin with encouragement and help from Lars Oyane, genealogist from Norway. The organizational meeting was held in Viroqua, Wisconsin on June 27-29, 1980 and has been meeting annually since that time.

The Borgund Stavkirke (shown here) was chosen as the logo of the organization and the unique red, white and blue circle with stars was added at a later date. The aim of the Sognefjordlag is to preserve our Norwegian heritage, especially from the district of Sogn which is located in the western part of Norway.

Sogn is one of the districts included in the fylke of Sogn og Fjordane. The other two are Nordfjord and Sunnfjord. Our purpose is to promote interest in the rich folk art and folklore of Norway and to share with fellow Americans the spirit of our Norwegian Ancestry.

There are various links on this website that will give you more specific information about the Sognefjord, our Lag, its purpose and benefits. If your ancestors came from some of the following communities in Norway, then you should have a special interest in becoming a member of the Sognefjordlag: Sogndal, Vik, Ballestrand, Hoyanger, Lærdal, Aurdal, Luster, Kaupanger, Ardal, Hafslo, Gaupne, Solvorn, Urness, Skjolden and the surrounding kommune.

Our Lag meets once a year in various cities in the immediate midwestern states, namely; Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Approximately every 4th year we try to meet at one of the kommune of the Sognefjord in Norway. In 2004, we had the opportunity to meet in Lærdal and in 1999 we had an especially great time in Sogndal, Norway. If you have an interest in your Norwegian family history and genealogy, then the Sognefjordlag should be of particular value and interest to you. We cordially invite you to join us!