Norwegian-American Bygdelagenes Fellesraad
- Lag Information Sheet -

A Brief Historical Note

The Norwegian term bygdelag refers to a societal organization from a regional area of Norway. The earliest Norwegian-American bygdelag were organized by emigrants and descendants of emigrants who settled mainly in the Midwest.

The first bygdelag organized in 1899 and through the years more than 140 local and national lag have been formed but, unfortunately, most discontinued due to the world wars and lack of leadership. Today, twenty-nine Midwest lag continue to be active, holding annual conventions in varying locations and focusing on cultural and educational programs.

After 1914, several lag officers found a need for an umbrella organization to unify and support bygdelag activities. Norwegian- America Bygdelagenes Fellesraad (NABF) council was formed in November of 1916 to be an advisory organization, to support and guide in the development of the bygdelag movement and to influence the cultural activities. NABF has managed cooperative projects for the good of all bygdelag and visitors.

"Norwegian-America Bygdelagenes Fellesraad" when translated into English can be explained as "The Council of Norwegian-America Organizations, Each Having A Common Culture, Interest Or Language That Originates From A Specific Regional Area".

How do you say that?
"Bygdelagenes", say "big-da-log-eh-ness";
"Fellesraad", say "fell-es-road"
"Fylke", say "fill-ka"
"lag", say log.

What do those words mean?
"bygd", A region or area with a common language or culture.
"Fellesraad", A council.
"Fylke", A region of Norway similar to a State in America.
"lag", An organization of people having a common purpose or interest.