I have received a copy of the invitation the committee in Meraker now has sent out to about 200 families in USA and Canada based upon e-mail addresses collected. For those of you who may not have received any, it just means they haven't got your name on the list, yet. You may contact me off list with your postal address, or send a response to the address at the bottom of this info. Please spread the news! Here are the words: Welcome to Meraker, Norway People in the parish of Meraker are strongly preoccupied with the emigration to America which started in 1854 and continued till the beginning of the 20th century. Ever since stories have been told about relatives and tenant farmers of the valley, who left the hard labour at home with a dream of a better life in America. It is of great importance that this story is conveyed to the next generation, and by arranging this Emigration Jubilee we wish to focus on the history of the emigrants from Meraker. During the Emigrant Jubilee the culture and history of Meraker will be presented. A heartly welcome to our guests from America! PROGRAM Aug. 28th 04 Historical Play about Emigration Aug. 29th 04 The great museum day / Unveiling ceremony of the emigrants memorial stone. Historical Play about Emigration Aug 30th 04 Historical hike - Skurdalsporten Aug. 31th 04 Guided tour - Elkem smelting plant Sep. 1st 04 Sight-seeing and home-visits in Meraker. Concert Sep. 2nd 04 A guided visit to the old Gilsaa Mine Sep. 3rd 04 Emigration Day at the museum. Historical Play about Emigration. Cultural evening and dinner Sep. 4th 04 "Grenseløse Merakerdager": A Trade, Art and Craft Fair. Historical Play about Emigration. Dancing night Sep. 5th 04 "Grenseløse Meråkerdager": A Trade, Art and Craft Fair. Service at the church of Meraker Minor changes in the program might occur. HISTORY Meraker is one of the places in Scandinavia where iron first was produced. The oldest traces of ore extraction and the accompanying settlings are dated to 350 B.C. The local emigration to America started in 1854. Meraker is one of the municipalities that have sent most emigrants across the Atlantic relatively. Until 1870 we know that the majority of those leaving were families, later on the proportion of youths increased considerably. Do you need assistance in tracing your ancestral roots in Meraker? Our registers and church books might be helpful in your search. Please contact us. Many visitors probably have contacts in Meraker and available accommodation. On our website there is a survey of hotels, motels and camping sites in Meraker. Juven Tours and Travel arranges trips to Meraker and Norway. www.juventours.com Tel: 1-800-343-0093 We would appreciate being contacted if you consider coming to Meraker. This would help us take better care of you as our guest. For registration and more information please contact: Meraker kommune v/ Utvandrerjubileum N- 7530 Meraker NORWAY Tel.: +47 74 81 32 30 Fax: +47 74 81 33 90 E-mail: [email protected] www.meraker.kommune.no/utvandrerjubileum Ragnar in Hell