Description

We are so excited to share the Letters from Anne program with you!

Anne Engum was the daughter of Paul and Anne Engum, born in Norway on July 27, 1853.  The Engum family emigrated to Coon Valley because the landscape was similar to that of Norway, with soil that was excellent for farming.  They left Norway on April 12, 1867, on the Steamship “Rhea”.  The Engum House, which is now the centerpiece of the Historic Bekkum Homestead at Norskedalen, began to be built in 1868.

Anne’s letters were developed based on examples found in “In Their Own Words: Letters from Norwegian Immigrants” by Solveig Zempel and “America-America Letters: A Norwegian-American Family Correspondence” by Bjorn Gunnar Ostgard.   Some license was taken to adapt these letters to fit the Engum family and the facilities here at Norskedalen.

When you purchase Letters from Anne, you’ll receive access to Anne’s letters – all 6 of them! – plus lesson materials based on each letter.  Lesson content is based on WI DPI academic standards and is presented in a variety of formats.  Finally, you’ll receive a printed Journal similar to what Anne references as a gift from her Grandmother just before leaving Norway.  One Journal per enrolled student, each filled with opportunities to practice ELA writing skills!