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Ethnic Texans
Open access books on Texas ethnic groups
Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
Texas Norwegians, arriving and settling as small rural groups, have been few. The 1900 census listed a peak number of 1,356 native Norwegians in the state, a total that declined to 1,000 in 50 years.
Today, over 95,000 Texans claim Norwegian descent. Most of the emigration came from rural areas in Norway to rural areas in Texas. The first known individual was Johannes Nordboe, who, in 1841 when he was over 70, settled near Dallas with his family.
Handbook of Texas
- NorwegiansW. Phil Hewitt details the role of Norwegians in Texas' history.
Museums
- Bosque MuseumThe Bosque Museum is dedicated to protect and preserve Bosque County's historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future Bosque Citizens. Bosque County was settled by Norwegians in 1854.
- Ringness House MuseumAt the center of Bosque County lies the historic Ringness House Museum, which draws visitors from around the world. The City of Clifton is officially recognized as the Norwegian Capital of Texas. The towns of Clifton, Cranfills Gap, and Meridian combine to uphold Norwegian traditions beyond the county lines and to continue to honor our past and reach into the future as so many people discover this haven of Norwegian heritage.
Organizations
- Norwegian Society of TexasThe Norwegian Society of Texas (NST) was organized on March 8, 1975. At the organizational meeting, officers were elected and direction was given to incorporate. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State, State of Texas, on March 25, 1975. The Norwegian Society of Texas is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. NST is the only statewide organization for Norwegian Texans. Since it was founded, NST has lived up to the objective: “To Enjoy, Preserve and Promote Our Norwegian Heritage” and has accomplished a wide variety of historical and educational goals.
Festivals
- Norwegian Country ChristmasHeld in Clifton annually on the first weekend in December, the event traditionally kicks off on Friday night with a lighted parade through downtown that is enjoyed by young and old alike. The Bosque Museum holds its annual Christmas Open House, where rooms are beautifully decorated to reflect the Norwegian and pioneer heritage of the community. The gift shop is stocked with Norwegian souvenirs of every variety. Visitors have also come to enjoy “The Arts of Christmas” held each Friday and Saturday at the Bosque Arts Center, a fine arts complex housed in the historic former Clifton Lutheran College. There, visitors can enjoy a myriad of seasonal exhibits, refreshments, and shop for unique homemade Christmas gifts ranging from candies to paintings, pottery, crafts and jewelry.