Speaker Dietz-Kilen to present “Norwegian settlement in Lake Mills” at Burnap Country School

Jim Dietz-Kilen has researched and written an article for the June 28 edition of The Norwegian American on the settlement of Lake Mills by Norwegians. He will be available for discussion of this topic during the open house at the Burnap Country School, 308 N. Mill St., Saturday, July 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Dietz-Kilen has many stories about the early days of Lake Mills that he gathered while doing the research for the article. With a lot of interesting material leftover, that wouldn’t fit into the article, he has agreed to share that with the public during the Sesquicentennial celeebration. We are delighted to have him available for the Lake Mills Area Historical Society’s Open House at the country school.
Dietz-Kilen will include the founding of our town, the coming of the Norwegians and how we became the largest settlement of Nissedalers outside of Norway. He has many anecdotes to relate.
In continuing his research, Dietz-Kilen welcomes information the community has to share on its heritage. In particular, any verifiable facts concerning its first name of Slaunchville, can be passed on to him while he is here.
Copies of The Norwegian American with his article will be available. This paper is the successor to the major Norwegian newspapers that were popular amongst Norwegian emigrants, including the Decorah Posten.
Dietz-Kilen graduated from LMCS in 1973. Currently, he is the Chief Development Officer at Living History Farms in Des Moines.
The Burnap Country School’s story will also be available for discussion and questions.
The Lake Mills Area Historical Society welcomes everyone to there two facilities during the July Jubilee Sesquicentennial celebration. Besides the Burnap Country School open house, the society will once again offer it’s Wine Tasting event Friday, July 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the 1901 Victorian House and Gardens located at 308 S. Lincoln St.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed
Comment Here