A Journey through Artifacts

Nothing offers a more profound understanding of historical life than retracing the steps of those who came before us. On Monday, May 19, 2025, the Roseau County Museum invites the public to an engaging evening presentation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malung Community Center, featuring artist and researcher Aliza Novacek-Olson.

This special event showcases the results of a yearlong grant-funded project in which Novacek-Olson researched and recreated select cultural artifacts from the Roseau County Museum’s collection. Her work reveals how artifacts—from birch and textile weavings to carved woodwork—offer a window into the everyday lives, traditions, and values of Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the region.

“Artifacts are more than static pieces of the past,” says Novacek-Olson. “They serve as tangible connections to our ancestors, unaltered by interpretation, and rich with meaning.”

Through this exploration, attendees will discover how ordinary objects become extraordinary storytellers—providing insight into the resources early settlers used, what mattered most to them, and how cultural identity endured through handcrafted traditions.

Admission is free, no registration is required, and refreshments will be served.

This event is proudly hosted by the Roseau County Museum, whose mission is to preserve and share the stories of our county’s diverse heritage.