Farvel, shtetl!

Farewell, shtetl! is a research project that highlights a hitherto little-documented part of Norwegian migration history. Between 1880 and 1920, around 2.5 million Jews left their homes in Eastern Europe – many driven to flee by pogroms, discrimination and poor living conditions. Most sought a new life in America, Palestine or Western Europe. Only a few thousand travelled north, via Sweden and into Norway. In Trondheim, this group established a viable minority, and in 1905 the Jewish community in the city was founded with 125 members – all with roots in the shtetl tradition.

Contact

Ulf Ingemar Gustafsson, director
ulf@jodiskmuseum.org
Tel. +47 401 69 801

A research project that opens up for reflection on minority life in Norway both past and present, and shows how historical experiences still shape our contemporary world.

This is what we stand for

As a museum for a national minority, we strive for quality, accessibility, collaboration and continuous innovation in everything we do. We shall be relevant, timely, inclusive and respectful in all aspects of our work. These values guide us in fulfilling our mandate in a meaningful and sustainable way.

The story of Jewish migration to Norway begins in small villages far to the east – and continues in the streets here with us.

Farewell, shtetl!

Perspectives on Norwegian-Jewish migration history

The project is led by NTNU, Department of Teacher Education, and is interdisciplinary in historical, cultural and educational research. It examines what characterized this migration, how the migrants were met by the Norwegian majority society, and how these experiences live on in today's Jewish identity and collective memory. The Jewish Museum Trondheim contributes as a research partner, and actively participates in the dissemination of the project's insights through lectures, exhibitions and events.

By delving into individual destinies and communities, Farewell, Shtetl! not only illuminates an important part of our shared history – but also how migration shapes society, language, faith and belonging. The project opens up for reflection on minority life in Norway both past and present, and shows how historical experiences still shape our contemporary world.

The same theme can also be found in exhibition format at the Jewish Museum Trondheim. Take a look here for information about the exhibition "From Shtetl to Stiftsstad".