7+ Lag Stevne | hosted by Telelaget of America

The planning committee has chosen Stoughton, Wisconsin, as the location for next year's 7+Lag Stevne!

Stoughton is located just 15 miles south of Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison. Stoughton has over 13,000 residents and is built along the banks of the scenic Yahara River. The town is named for a man who bought land there in 1847.

But it wasn’t until after the Civil War that Stoughton became a predominantly Norwegian community. A Norwegian immigrant from Telemark by the name of T. G. Mandt founded a wagon company in 1865, which ended up employing hundreds of Norwegian immigrants. Even today, Stoughton is known for its biggest festival, their annual Syttende Mai Celebration which we all know is the Norwegian Constitution Day. A block of rooms will be reserved at a local hotel, as well as a Chamber of Commerce-generated list of B&Bs and Vrbos.

We’ll start the Stevne with a bus tour on Wednesday morning hosted by Dana Kelly, the executive director of the Norwegian American Genealogical Center and Naeseth Library in Madison, Wisconsin. We are still working out the exact specifics, but the tour will probably include visiting and hearing the Norwegian history of the East Koshkonong Church, West Koshkonong Church, Liberty Church, and maybe the Cambridge Historic School Museum. In addition, we just might have to stop in Rockdale to see the restored beer cellar!

On Thursday, we’ll have our opening session, and then the presentations and demonstrations begin. These will be held in the Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge 5-314. This handicapped accessible two story lodge is located right next door to the Norwegian Heritage Center called “Livsreise,” which translates into ‘Life’s Journey.’ It has five different interactive kiosks that examine Norway’s social and economic conditions, which led to emigration. In addition, it has a handicapped accessible movie theatre which will be showing different videos throughout the stevne.

Directly across the street is the Stoughton History Museum, housed in the former Universalist church, which was the first building in Stoughton to be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It also has a display of Bunads, including the City of Stoughton’s own certified bunad. Just steps away is the Chorus House, which will ‘house’ all the lag’s genealogists who are always ready to help you locate more relatives.

Stoughton’s historic downtown Main Street has many places on the State and National Register of Historic Places and is extremely walkable, which is a good thing because you’ll want to check out the following:

•. The Nordic Nook, an incredible, two-level store loaded with all things Scandinavian. One visit is not enough to take in everything they have.

•. Viking Brew Pub has a smoke breathing dragon that you need to see to believe. Dessert Café has delicious and decadent cheesecake bombs.

•. Cheesers has cheese (duh), wine, meats, craft beers, fresh cheese curds every Thursday and of course, ‘brunost.’

•. Fosdal Home Bakery’s very aroma is enticing. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the 1901 Opera House. It is one of only four original two-story opera houses still in use today!

Stoughton is an experience you don’t want to miss. We’ll be using a lot of local talent for our demonstrations and presentations since Stoughton has…three living Gold Medal rosemalers. Hardanger fiddlers, carvers, historians and its own special charm.

Let me end this article by quoting directly from the Visit Stoughton webpage, where they encourage everyone to explore this unique city - “As you wander through our town of Stoughton, you will uncover local art, unique shops, rich history, delicious treats, and a vibrant celebration of Norwegian heritage and music.”

We hope to see you there next July 15-18, 2026.

Our website will always have the most current information on this future event.

Your Telelaget Stevne Planning Committee :
Naomi Nowland, Wendi Storhoff, Amber Walters