Named Gift Opportunities

Vesterheim is grateful for the generous support of all donors who share the vision as presented in the Strong Roots | Bold Future campaign to grow Vesterheim and offers named gift opportunities to donors making commitments of $50,000 or more to honor their support. 

Opportunities are contingent on availability and approval by Vesterheim’s Development Office. 

The donor’s recognition in the space will be displayed appropriately on a plaque, sign, raised lettering or other medium in a size and style appropriate to the design, use and architecture of the designated space and campus. These designs are not yet complete. When the display design is completed and shared with the donor, final designation will be determined by the sole discretion of the museum’s President/CEO.

How You Can Make A Difference

Cash

Cash gifts can be made:

Online through the secure  “Donate Now” button above.

Download and complete the campaign Pledge Form (PDF) and return via mail with your
• check or money order made payable to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum/Campaign, or
• credit/debit card information, or
• direct withdrawal bank account information.

Matching Donations

Many corporations offer matching gift programs. Such programs may allow donors to double or even triple the amount of their contribution. Matching gift forms are available from company personnel or human resource offices.

Appreciated Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

An alternative to cash is a gift of appreciated securities. Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds owned for more than one year and that have increased in value are popular assets used for charitable giving.  Please consult your financial professional for advice on maximizing your campaign gift plans. A brokerage account transfer form is available from the Development Office or you can download a copy.

Signature Gifts (1,000,000 or more):

$2,000,000 and up: Vesterheim Commons

$1,000,000 to $2,000,000:

Vesterheim Commons: Main Level

Heritage Park

Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about naming opportunities:

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

*Commitment from a donor is already in place for naming opportunity.

Lead Gifts ($500,000 to $999,999):

Water Street Entry Courtyard

Restauration Plaza*

Vesterheim Commons:
Flexible Event Space on Main Level
Second Level
Third Level

Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about naming opportunities:

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

*Commitment from a donor is already in place for naming opportunity.

Lead Gifts ($250,000 to $499,999):

Heritage Park:

Working Glade*

Interpretive Glade

Civic Glade

North Plaza*

Vesterheim Commons:

Terrace*

Digital Production Studio*

 Collections Access Space*

Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about naming opportunities:

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

*Commitment from a donor is already in place for naming opportunity.

Lead Gifts ($100,000 to $249,999):

Heritage Park:

Connecting Glade

Connecting Plaza 

Stone Amphitheater*

Walking Path*

Timber Frame Shelter

Mill Courtyard Plaza*

Heritage Park:

Demonstration Gardens*

Vesterheim Commons:

Water Street Window*

Hallway to Heritage Park*

Small Gallery on Second Level*

Oculus*

Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about naming opportunities:

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

*Commitment from a donor is already in place for naming opportunity.

Major Gifts ($50,000 to $99,999):

Heritage Park:

Mechanic Street Entry Portal*

Mill Street Entry Portal* 

Stone Staircase*

Porch Sitting Area*

Westby Torgerson Education Center:

Folk Art Staff Offices (2)

Curatorial Offices (2)

Vesterheim Commons:

Street Level Entry*

New Museum Store Entrance*

Second Level Staircase*

Vesterheim Commons:

Museum Reception*

Elevator*

Catering Kitchen*

Corridor to Library*

Third Floor Staircase*

Third Floor West Window*

Mechanical Room*

Hallway to Folk Art Classrooms

North Sitting Area*

South Sitting Area*

Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about naming opportunities:

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

*Commitment from a donor is already in place for naming opportunity.

Help Us Grow Vesterheim

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Need Help Now?

If you want to speak to someone about how you can support Vesterheim’s bold new future, call Diane Wagner or Kim Toussaint.

Diane Wagner: 563-382-9681 x103

Kim Toussaint: 563-382-9681 x105

A Re-imagined, Open, and Accessible Heritage Park

The first major project of the Strong Roots | Bold Future campaign is the re-imagining of Heritage Park, the outdoor exhibit and program space for Vesterheim’s 12 historic buildings. Heritage Park opened in summer 2021. Guided by the Snøhetta master plan, Heritage Park has been designed by Damon Farber Landscape Architects to be an accessible and open public space reminiscent of Norway’s forests and glades. Here, people can connect with one another amidst tangible historic buildings set in nature.

Beginning at the plaza that depicts the 1825 voyage of immigrants on the ship Restauration, meandering pathways will guide visitors around gentle glades, past a community amphitheater, and through the expanded parkwhere history comes alive by experiencing how Norwegian pioneers lived.

Special care has been given to create an environmentally sensitive community park with native plantings and woodlands appropriate to this Driftless Area of America’s Midwest, permeable pavers, and sustainable stormwater management.