Norwegian Laft Hus Museum

The Norwegian Laft Hus is a unique cultural centre which houses a collection of objects that document the history and culture of Norwegian Canadians. Local craftsmen have made some of the articles, while others were highly valued possessions of early immigrants.

The Norwegian Laft Hus itself is an artefact in the sense that the architectural details of the building resemble a typical Norwegian farm house from the late 17th century. The sod roof is a distinctive feature that was common to Norwegian log buildings of that period.

The Laft Hus was constructed by the Norwegian Laft Hus Society, which was formed in 1981 with the objective of preserving, interpreting, and studying the Norwegian heritage.

Laft Hus Society volunteers did the initial work on a temporary site north of the City of Red Deer. Preparation of the logs and construction was completed under the direction of an expert log joiner from Norway. The logs are pine and are scribed to fit so snugly you cannot fit a knife blade between them.

In the Norwegian language "laft" is pronounced as the English word "loft" and means to build with logs. "Hus" pronounced "huse" means house.

The Laft Hus is situated in a beautiful park-like setting called Heritage Square. This square is shared with the Red Deer and District Museum and other heritage buildings.

Hours and Admission:
June 1 – August 31
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.

September 1 – May 31
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Admission by donation

Contact:
Norwegian Laft Hus Museum
4402– 47 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta
T4N 6T4
Phone: (403) 347 – 2055

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Copyright © 2005 Heritage Community Foundation. All Rights Reserved