The Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society (KPHS) is proud to unveil “Kaskeland: Queen of the Norwegian-American Settlements– Koshkonong Prairie, WI” in the auditorium at Livsreise. The Koshkonong Prairie is comprised of Pleasant Springs and Christiana townships, as well as parts of Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Oakland, Albion, and Dunkirk townships. The first pioneer Norwegian settlers arrived in 1840, and by 1850 over half of the Norwegian immigrants in Wisconsin lived on the Koshkonong prairie. Eventually, Koshkonong became the largest Norwegian-American settlement in North America.

“Kaskeland” is a project that has been in the works for several years. The Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society (KPHS) board has long expressed its desire to preserve on film the many historically significant sites found on the Koshkonong Prairie. “Video is a key way to reach younger generations,” explained current president Gary Swain. “Today’s social media users don’t want paper brochures and maps. They want to consume history in a way we haven’t tried to present it before. That’s where this film fits into our mission.”

(Seating is limited- please arrive early!)