Scandinavian East Coast Museum sponsoring Viking Essay Contest
Annual Essay Contest for children from 4th – 6th grades honors Leif Eriksson –
The Norwegians have been in the Scandinavian East Coast Museum’s neighborhood of southwest Brooklyn for over 400 years, since the time New York was a Dutch colony. They founded Lutheran Medical Center, the Norwegian Christian Home & Health Center and many other institutions in the Bay Ridge area. Leif Eriksson Park is named after one of their greatest explorers and contains many Norwegian features, including a Viking ship playground.
During the month of October the Scandinavian East Coast Museum hosts an Annual Essay Contest for children from 4th – 6th grades, to honor Leif Eriksson. This year’s topic is, “200 Years of Democracy – Cut By the Occupation.”
Norway became a kingdom in 1030, but from 1380 until 1814 was under foreign rule. In 1814, Norway finally had its first constitution. However, this hard fought recognition, as an independent country was lost once again, when the Nazis occupied Norway from 1940 – 1945. However, the Norwegian people did not take this hostile take over lying down. Their Resistance Movement was so powerful, in this country of less than 5 million, that United States President Roosevelt praised Norway as an example to the world in its fight against injustice.
Listen to some words from his famous Look to Norway speech. “If there is anyone who still wonders why this war is being fought, let him look to Norway. If there is anyone who has any delusions that this war could have been averted, let him look to Norway; and if there is anyone who doubts the democratic will to win, again I say, let him look to Norway.”
Research Norway’s history under the occupation. Find one person and or story that exemplifies Norwegians Resistance. Write about why this person and or act was so important.
Please send essays of no more than 2 pages, typed or hand written by November 30th to:
SECM
440 Ovington Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209
There will be 2 winners selected. Prizes include: a gift certificate to Nordic Delicacies, Viking Memorabilia, and riding on a replica Viking Ship in the Norwegian Day Parade May 2015.
For further information, please contact Victoria Hofmo at 718-748-5950. If you would like more information about Norwegian contributions and/or history in New York, the Scandinavian East Coast Museum would be more than happy to provide an educational presentations.
=================================================================
ABOUT THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER – SINCE 1872 – ENGLISH & DANISH ARTICLES
Follow The Danish Pioneer Newspaper on FACEBOOK – Click HERE to Join the Conversation!
THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER IN ACTION: Did you know that The Danish Pioneer’s staff, editors, photographers columnists and writers help readers discover unique travel destinations, interesting films, concerts, books, theatrical works, festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, delicious restaurants, special birthdays and scholarship opportunities in the USA, Canada, Denmark & Scandinavia. Come discover more in 2014 & 2015. Visit www.thedanishpioneer.com
THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER WAS FOUNDED IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA IN 1872 AND TODAY IS STILL PUBLISHED JUST OUTSIDE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Did you know by supporting The Danish Pioneer Newspaper’s print edition, we are able to offer the bonus of our colorful, exciting website. Please support The Danish Pioneer Newspaper. Subscriptions to our print edition are economical, and you receive 26 issues per year including the extra-large, extra-special holiday issue. Subscriptions and advertisements – like annual donations to ethnic institutions or memberships to clubs, lodges and organizations – help The Danish Pioneer Newspaper staff to preserve and to support the Danish-American ethnic press in addition to allowing us to promote the Danish and Scandinavian culture, communities, heritage and traditions in the USA and North America. Please subscribe today or give The Danish Pioneer Newspaper as a gift subscription to a friend or relative. Visit http://www.thedanishpioneer.com/subscribe
