Norwegian American Historical Association

With one of the oldest and largest ethnic manuscript collections in the United States, the Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) is a leader in the field of ethnic migration studies. The NAHA archival collection includes letters, ledgers, books, periodicals, photographs, diaries, and audio and video recordings. The materials bring life to thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses comprising the Norwegian diaspora in North America since migration began in the early 19th century.

Since its founding in 1925, NAHA has been located on the campus of St. Olaf College. Although both institutions are independent entities, they maintain close cooperation on common causes. The NAHA archives are located in the special collections area of Rolvaag Memorial Library.

Ole E. Rølvaag, the author of Giants in the Earth, served as the first secretary and archivist for NAHA. He initiated collection of the archives, which through later growth and careful organization, has become an invaluable source for the public and scholars of immigration history worldwide. 

Now nearly a century after its founding, NAHA continues to thrive. 

• NAHA maintains a growing archive of more than 3,000 individual collections.
• Our staff fields more than 200 inquiries annually — in person, by phone, and via email. Hundreds of others research our digital collections.
• We have published more than 100 publications, including Norwegian-American Studies, our scholarly journal now published in partnership with the University of Minnesota Press. 
• NAHA offers regular tours, programs, and events for more than one thousand members and the general public. It maintains close ties to NAHA-Norge, an affiliate in Norway, as well as other Norwegian-American and academic organizations.