Submitted Photo Holding a check from Minot Area Community Foundation to the Hostfest Heritage Foundation are, from left, Sabrina Herrmann, John Mackner, Staci Kenney, Harrison Reiten-Hruby, Jessica Ackerman and Abbie Eads.

The Hostfest Heritage Foundation’s storytelling project has received $5,000 from the Minot Area Community Foundation through a challenge grant in which MACF matched dollar-for-dollar contributions. This grant was made possible through MACF’s Williamson Fund.

Over the past year, the Hostfest Heritage Foundation (HHF) has captured conversations, images and videos that help tell the story of Scandinavian migration to the United States, settlement in the Minot area, and the importance of celebrating heritage, culture, community and connection through the annual Norsk Hostfest festival.

“Recording immigration stories, family histories, festival tales and the significance of traditions is essential for capturing and preserving the future of the Hostfest and Scandinavian culture in our area,” said Jessica Ackerman, HHF board member. “The Hostfest Heritage Foundation is deeply grateful for this opportunity to honor and perpetuate our rich cultural heritage made possible by support from the Minot Area Community Foundation’s Williamson Fund.”

The storytelling project has been a collaborative effort that captured raw interview footage as well as photos of Scandinavian artifacts and celebration that are now digitally recorded and available for future use. A series of podcasts will be released beginning this summer, leading up to the 2024 Norsk Hostfest. A 30-minute documentary can be viewed throughout the festival.

“We are proud to support the storytelling efforts of the Hostfest Heritage Foundation as they work to archive the rich history of the Scandinavian culture that has made a significant impact on the Minot community,” said Jason Zimmerman, MACF president.