Mention of this unique institution in C-SPAN3's program lineup caught my eye because I am a longtime lover of Iceland.
Director Eric Nelson discussed a massive immigration from the Nordic lands -- mostly Norway, Sweden, and Denmark -- from 1865 to 1910, when 30 percent of the population of those countries came largely to the States and Canada. Many were drawn to the Pacific Northwest due to similarities in climate and opportunities for familiar types of work.
While perhaps of particular interest to émigrés and expatriates of the region, the museum aims to appeal to the general population, we're told, offering four temporary exhibits annually.
The segment I viewed spotlighted several nice paintings, perhaps on loan from European museums, displaying women and their distinctive clothing, as well as some very daunting-looking Viking helmets and weapons seemingly marred by centuries underground.
I may well visit this museum this summer when an organization to which I belong, the American Psychological Association, holds its annual convention in Seattle.
An internet check reveals that current exhibitions include a look at African-Americans who "sought new possibilities, inspiration, and environments" in the Nordic nations, a 20-foot wall display evoking the Aurora Borealis, and an examination of Nordic life as it has evolved over 12,000 years.
Intriguing future events include a felted paskris-making workshop, Sámi theater, and a screening of the 2022 film "The North Drift."
With admission at $16 to $20, the place seems worth a visit, even if I didn't notice much on the Land of Fire and Ice.
The museum site notes that Mr. Nelson (a Swedish-American) will be retiring this July. Looks like he's done a great job of making this a destination.
Director Eric Nelson discussed a massive immigration from the Nordic lands -- mostly Norway, Sweden, and Denmark -- from 1865 to 1910, when 30 percent of the population of those countries came largely to the States and Canada. Many were drawn to the Pacific Northwest due to similarities in climate and opportunities for familiar types of work.
While perhaps of particular interest to émigrés and expatriates of the region, the museum aims to appeal to the general population, we're told, offering four temporary exhibits annually.
The segment I viewed spotlighted several nice paintings, perhaps on loan from European museums, displaying women and their distinctive clothing, as well as some very daunting-looking Viking helmets and weapons seemingly marred by centuries underground.
I may well visit this museum this summer when an organization to which I belong, the American Psychological Association, holds its annual convention in Seattle.
An internet check reveals that current exhibitions include a look at African-Americans who "sought new possibilities, inspiration, and environments" in the Nordic nations, a 20-foot wall display evoking the Aurora Borealis, and an examination of Nordic life as it has evolved over 12,000 years.
Intriguing future events include a felted paskris-making workshop, Sámi theater, and a screening of the 2022 film "The North Drift."
With admission at $16 to $20, the place seems worth a visit, even if I didn't notice much on the Land of Fire and Ice.
The museum site notes that Mr. Nelson (a Swedish-American) will be retiring this July. Looks like he's done a great job of making this a destination.