Livsreise (lifs-rye-sa) translates to “Life’s Journey.” It is a generational journey, encompassing not 
only the physical journey Norwegian emigrants traveled, but also the continued journey as 
generations embrace their Norwegian Heritage here in Stoughton, Wisconsin and across the nation.
Livsreise - Norwegian Heritage Center
277 US-51, Stoughton, WI 53589 
Livsreise (lifs-rye-sa) translates to “Life’s Journey.” It is a generational journey, encompassing not only the physical journey Norwegian emigrants traveled, but also the continued journey as generations embrace their Norwegian Heritage here in Stoughton, Wisconsin and across the nation. The Livsreise logo is inspired by the åttebladrose, or eight petal rose, commonly found in Norwegian textiles.

In 2011, members of the Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation, Inc. board of trustees conceived of the idea of a Norwegian Heritage Center whose purpose was to create a meaningful experience for Stoughton, WI residents and others to learn of Norwegian Cultural Heritage—Livsreise was born. The charitable foundation’s founder: Janet L. Bryant (widow of Edwin Bryant—one of the founders of Nelson Muffler
Business Hours
Monday
Closed
Tue - Sat
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Sunday
Closed
Corporation and supporter of the Stoughton Community) formed the foundation to honor Edwin and his lifelong giving to Stoughton. 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 the surrounding area have long embraced.

Livsreise includes interpretations of the journey from Norway, features the cultural heritage brought to Stoughton and shares stories of individual immigrants. Also featured are changing exhibits and displays highlighting Norwegian heritage and arts organizations including the Vesterheim National Norwegian American Museum. Additionally, Livsreise is home to a genealogy center that operates in cooperation with Norwegian American Genealogical Center/Naeseth Library and a 68-seat auditorium.
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Events

“Careers of Service: The Lutheran Deaconess"

September 12 | Virtual presentation


Our speaker, Laurann Gilbertson holds a B.A. In Anthropology and an M.S in Gilbertson will be discussing Deaconesses , women called to serve the church and humankind, come from a tradition dating back to Biblical times to the Middle Ages. Their work was revived in Germany in 1836 and the “modern” diaconate spread to Europe and America. There were three Norwegian Lutheran deaconess Motherhouses in America- in Brooklyn, Chicago and Minneapolis. The slide presentation you will see introduces audiences to the women who were deaconesses and their work in hospitals, church parishes, social services and foreign missions.

Details:  The virtual lecture takes place September 12 from 1 - 2 PM. For more information call 608-873-7567 or email: livsreise@norwegianheritagecenter.org

Towns Nearby

Stoughton


What makes Stoughton a popular, weekend daytrip for so many Madisonians? The Norwegian proud town is only 25 minutes from the Capitol City. Is it the beautifully restored 19th century architecture along the town's Main Street? Maybe it's the easy hiking and kayaking access to the Yahara River which runs right through downtown. or that you are just minutes to beautiful Lake Kegonsa... More

Lakes Nearby

Lake Kegonsa


Lake Kegonsa is the southern-most lake in the Yahara River chain of lakes formed when debris was left by a retreating glacier 12,000-15,000 years ago. The name Kegonsa is attributed to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Indians who once lived in this area. Kegonsa means "Lake of Many Fishes." The lake is home to one county and one state park. Located on the northeast corner of the lake... More