Registration is Now Available for 2025-26 Preschool. Have questions? Contact Mindy for Preschool at 320-762-3305. __Welcome to the Cardinal Family!__
The Kensington Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota, is home to two of the most intriguing symbols of regional identity: the controversial Kensington Runestone and the towering Viking statue known as Big Ole. This lecture explores the surprising connections between these two seemingly unrelated artifacts. Explore the facts, theories, and cultural impact of these two iconic symbols, examining how they have shaped local identity, tourism, and historical debate. Standing 28 feet tall and weighing nearly 8,000 pounds, Big Ole is more than a roadside attraction. His shield boldly proclaims Alexandria as the “Birthplace of America,” a claim rooted in the mysterious origins of the Kensington Runestone. But who built Big Ole, and why? What was his intended message, and how has it evolved?
We will delve into the history and controversy surrounding the Runestone itself. Is it an elaborate 19th-century hoax, or could it be genuine evidence of Norse exploration in the heart of North America in 1362?
You will be welcomed at the Runestone Museum with hot chocolate!
Ms. Haacke comes to the Runestone Museum with a strong background in administration. She began her career as a high school teacher, was the Manager of Administration of the Photonics Research Center at Boston University, owned and managed a retail business, and was the Executive Assistant for the Bishops in the Diocese of Great Falls/Billings. Originally from Fargo, she is grateful to be living in Alexandria with family.
Barbara Haacke
