Scandinavian East Coast Museum's Annual Viking Essay Contest

Gunnar Sonsteby

The Norwegian population of southwest Brooklyn dates back to the original Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam more than 400 years ago.  Brooklyn Norwegians founded Lutheran Medical Center, the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center and many other local institutions.

Every October, the Scandinavian East Coast Museum hosts an Essay Contest for children grades 4 through 6 honoring the legendary Norwegian explorer Leif Eriksson, for whom Bay Ridge's Leif Eriksson Park was named.

The topic of this year's essay is “200 Years of Democracy - Cut By the Occupation.”

Norway, after becoming a kingdom in 1030, fell under foreign rule from 1380 until 1814, when it adopted its first constitution. The country's hard-won independence was again lost from 1940-1945 during the Nazi occupation.  Norway, with a population of less than five million, nevertheless mounted a resistance movement so fierce it was held up by U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as an example to the world. In his "Look to Norway" speech, FDR said:

"If there is anyone who still wonders why this war is being fought, let him look to Norway. If there is anyone who has any delusions that this war could have been averted, let him look to Norway; and if there is anyone who doubts the democratic will to win, again I say, let him look to Norway."

Essay contests are expected to research the history of the Nazi occupation of Norway; identify a person or an event that exemplifies the Norwegian Resistance Movement; and explain why this person or event was important.

All essays are due by November 30 and must be no more than 2 typed or handwritten pages.

Mail all entries to:

SECM
440 Ovington Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209

Two winners will be selected. Prizes include a Nordic Delicacies gift certificate, Viking memorabilia, and a ride on the Viking ship in the Norwegian Day Parade in May, 2015.

Contact Victoria Hofmo at 718-748-5950 for more information.