Oscar I. Hertsgaard papers, 1909-1975

Biography/History: 
Oscar I. Hertsgaard was a businessman active in church, civic, and Norwegian-American organizations. A 1908 graduate of St. Olaf College, he served as director of music at Concordia College in Moorhead (1909–1913) before beginning a long career with the Mutual Trust Insurance Company. He held multiple leadership roles, including board service for Fairview Hospital and St. Olaf College, and executive positions in numerous community groups.

In 1939, he organized a major Folk Festival celebrating the visit of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha of Norway. Known popularly as “Hallingkongen” for his deep involvement with Hallinglaget and his frequent travels to Norway, he also served twelve years as president of Bygdelagenes Fællesraad, where he helped promote the publication of A Folk Epic: The Bygdelag in America (1975). His contributions were recognized with the St. Olav Medal in 1940 and the Knight’s Cross, First Class, of the Royal Order of St. Olav in 1947.

Scope and Content: 
Papers contain correspondence, biographical information, materials about Concordia College, Odin Club, Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, as well as speeches and other various materials.