A third annual bygdelag week in Salt Lake City is planned for February 22—February 28, 2009 for lag genealogists, committee members and lag members interested in Norwegian family research in cooperation with the Family History Library. The week is the last one sponsored by Bygdelagenes Fellesraad to honor its own 90th Anniversary. Financial assistance was provided to eight of the 30 bygdelag affiliated with the national council the last two years. The stipend helps with expenses and is an encouragement for persons to learn about the excellent resources available at the Family History Library.

The bygdelag week is not limited to those receiving a stipend as their lag designee.

This week is an opportunity for lag members to improve their knowledge and skills in working with a wide variety of materials and research tools emphasizing Norwegian records. Elaine Hasleton from the Family History Library and Marilyn Sorensen from the Fellesraad are coordinators of this event. There will be an opportunity for special classes relating to Norwegian genealogy. It may provide insights about activities at the Family History Library that will improve use and access to their reference material.

Library at Salt Lake City is the largest genealogical library in the world and has an excellent collection of Norwegian records. This includes one of the largest collections of Norwegian bygdebøker outside of Norway , a complete set of microfilmed Norwegian Lutheran Church records and other record sources such as census, probate and court records. They also have a complete set of the Norwegian farm maps.

Research at the library will be according to your own schedule. There is a very good help system available at the reference desks on all five floors of the library. Participants may help each other. This week is designed for independent research, taking advantage of all the materials, equipment and assistance available at the library.

A block of rooms is reserved at the Plaza Hotel located next door to the Library, 122 West South Temple , SLC , UT 84101 . The webpage is www.plaza-hotel.com.  Please telephone Rich Williams directly at 800-366-3684 X3007 to make reservations.  The reduced room rate for genealogical group participants is $82.00 + tax per room/per day for either single or double occupancy. Each participant will be responsible for travel arrangements and room reservations in the block of rooms. Be sure to request the Norwegian Lag group reduced rate.

Should you plan to participate in the Bygdelag week in Salt Lake City , please let the Fellesraad coordinator know for scheduling purposes. Additional information will be sent to those who alert Fellesraad that they will be joining our group.

Please have your lag president indicate which person is to receive the Fellesraad 90th Anniversary $100 assistance with expenses. The person attending does not have to be the named lag genealogist but one person must be recommended by your lag to receive the one-time Fellesraad stipend.

Last year an enthusiastic group participated in the Bygdelag Research Week in Salt Lake City . This year is planned to provide great opportunities and experiences for all who attend. Direct your inquiries and questions to:

Marilyn Sorensen, Vice President Bygdelagenes Fellesraad 651-633-1329 rddlagen@usfamily.net

PS  When you notify us about your participation, we will send you information about the class schedule and special meetings.