Valdres Samband

The Valdres Samband is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and ancestral connections of people from the Valdres Valley in Norway. Founded in 1899 as the first Norwegian bygdelag, it serves as a community for descendants of immigrants from the Valdres region who settled in North America.

Background

The Valdres Valley, once part of Oppland County, is located between Oslo and Bergen in Norway. Following administrative changes in Norway, Valdres became part of the Innlandet region in 2020, combining the former counties of Oppland and Hedmark. The Samband brings together over 800 member families from North America and others from Norway, fostering a bond between these communities through shared history and culture.

Activities and Goals

The core objectives of the Valdres Samband include:

• Cultural Preservation: Encouraging and promoting the traditions, customs, and history of the Valdres Valley among its members.
• Genealogical Research: Providing expert assistance to members interested in exploring their Valdres roots, utilizing extensive genealogical resources.

Annual Gatherings

The Samband organizes an annual event known as a stevne, typically held in June. This gathering offers opportunities for members to engage with genealogical resources, attend educational sessions on the history and culture of the Val

[1] https://valdressamband.org/about/ [2] https://www.fellesraad.com/valdres_samband.htm [3] https://valdressamband.org/event/stevne2024/ [4] https://valdressamband.org [5] https://valdressamband.org/genealogy/links-resources/