(Continued from Sights) Stoughton's annual Syttende Mai, celebration in May 2015. The Bryant Foundation's founder and benefactor is Janet L. Bryant widow of Edwin E. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was one of three founders of the Nelson Muffler Corporation, a corporation established in 1939 that later became known as Nelson Industries Mrs. Bryant formed the foundation to honor her husband, and show her love and support for the community of Stoughton.

Livsreise(Lifs-rye-sa) means "life's journey." It is a generational journey encompassing not only the physical journey, Norwegian immigrants traveled but the continuing journey as generations embrace their Norwegian heritage in Stoughton, the rest of Wisconsin and across the nation.

The mission of Livsreise is to create an experience that allows visitors to explore Stoughton's Norwegian identity and relate this to the culture that Stoughton and area of long embraced..

A visit to Livsreise includes interpretations of the (1825-1910 ) journey from Norway and features the cultural heritage brought to Stoughton. Stories of individual immigrants are also shared. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of Norwegian immigrants by turning the pages of digital volumes compiled from first hand accounts, letters and family interviews.

Livsreise guests can explore the cultural roots of Norwegian-American heritage from performing arts and traditional customs to industrial entrepreneurs and the Norwegian language. They can also discover daily immigrant life within these kiosks. Browsing through culture and history of Norway shows the influence on today's Norwegian-Americans.

Visitors can experience the journey that early immigrants made by choosing a vocation, packing a trunk, buying a ticket to America by selecting items on an interactive table. This experience allows the visitor to encounter the landscape and history of Norway while preparing for the journey.

Also featured are changing exhibits and displays highlighting Norwegian heritage and arts organizations. Additionally, Livsreise is home to a genealogy center that operates in cooperation with Norwegian-American Genealogical Center and Nasseth Library. The genealogy area features a "Getting Started Guide." Norwegian naming patterns, genealogical terms, along with additional tools. Visitors can also review online databases that include marriage records, emigrants, Norwegian-Americans, birth records, cemetery records, and U.S. census data. A trained staff is on site to assist visitors with their personal searches. There is also a 68-seat, handicap accessible. hearing-loop enabled auditorium where visitors can view videos of Norwegian culture, history folk art, music and delightful Norwegian humor.

Live presentations featuring local, national and international speakers are also held periodically in the auditorium.

The Livsreise is now open with the following updates:

Mask wearing is waived for all fully Covid-19 vaccinated individuals who enter Livsreise. Free face masks are available for those who are not vaccinated.

Hours are 9:30 AM-4:30 PM, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Reservations will only be necessary for groups of 5 or more not from the same household. 

Livsreise wants everyone to experience a safe and fun visit soon. What do we do to limit the spread of infection, and what do we expect from our visitors?

Location:

277 W. Main Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
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Lakes Nearby:

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Stoughton is just around the corner from Lake Kegonsa and Southern Wisconsin's other lakeside state park. Explore lake Kegonsa.