The Kensington Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota, is home to two of the most intriguing symbols of regional identity: the controversial Kensington Runestone and the towering Viking statue known as Big Ole. This lecture explores the surprising connections between these two seemingly unrelated artifacts. Explore the facts, theories, and cultural impact of these two iconic symbols, examining how they have shaped local identity, tourism, and historical debate. Standing 28 feet tall and weighing nearly 8,000 pounds, Big Ole is more than a roadside attraction. His shield boldly proclaims Alexandria as the “Birthplace of America,” a claim rooted in the mysterious origins of the Kensington Runestone. But who built Big Ole, and why? What was his intended message, and how has it evolved? We will delve into the history and controversy surrounding the Runestone itself. Is it an elaborate 19th-century hoax, or could it be genuine evidence of Norse exploration in the heart of North America in 1362? You will be welcomed at the Runestone Museum with hot chocolate!

You can’t travel back in time, but you can rediscover simple pleasures from the past. Learn the basics of planning and planting a vegetable garden. Grow carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and squash in the museum garden, and plant a favorite herb in a pot to take home.

In this presentation, we will explore the origins and meanings of the runes carved into the Kensington Runestone, with particular focus on those that are unique or controversial. We will examine both sides of the authenticity debate and provide an objective, research-based perspective on what the linguistic evidence can and cannot tell us.

You can’t travel back in time, but you can rediscover simple pleasures from the past. Learn the art of knot tying by mastering four of the most commonly used knots—and more. Build practical skills once used every day, and discover how a simple piece of rope can solve real-world problems.

You can’t travel back in time, but you can rediscover simple pleasures from the past. Learn how to make butter and homemade jelly using traditional methods. Create delicious staples by hand, enjoy a tasty reward, and impress your friends and family with your new skills. Yum!

You can’t travel back in time, but you can rediscover simple pleasures from the past. Learn how to safely build a campfire using the right materials and preparation. This course covers proper locations, fuel selection, fire safety, emergency response, and extinguishing techniques—then enjoy roasting a marshmallow or cooking a hotdog.