Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

08/21/2025

Did you know that we have a public archive of hundreds of handwritten letters and other documents spanning over a century from the mid-1800s to the early 2000s written to, from, and about Spring Grove native Mathilda Lee? You can get an in depth look at her life written in her own hand by checking out the Lee Archives on our website: https://giantsoftheearth.org/archives/robert-e-a-lee-letters/
It's an incredible window into the past and we're happy to share it with you on this throwback Thursday.

08/19/2025

It's time for another ! There are a lot of boats around here, representing a variety of immigrant journeys. Can you figure out where in the Heritage Center this particular beautifully painted boat resides? If you can come tell us where it is, we'll have a treat for you in our gift shop!

08/16/2025

Ever wonder what's like to paddle the fjords of Norway? If so, you can read the book "Paddle Pilgrim" and learn about David Ellingson's experiences paddling the fjords of Norway.

08/14/2025

Today we are sharing an interview from January 26, 2012. We interviewed Audrey (Liudahl) Atchinson, Gordon Pitel, Donald Gjerdrum, who where teachers, and Ed Myrah (student) talking about their school days at Spring Grove School.

Videos like this are part of our core mission to preserve local stories and history. We strive to record our older community members' stories for future generations before they pass on like those in this video.

Audrey (Liudahl) Atchinson, Gordon Pitel, Donald Gjerdrum, and Ed Myrah discuss Spring Grove teaching. Interviewed by Jim Gray, Filmed by Kathy Taylor, Edite...

08/12/2025

It's Tuesday! Which means it's time for another . Can you find this art palette somewhere at Giants? Don't forget to stop in the gift shop after you find it to receive your special treat!

08/09/2025

Are you prepared for sudden August deluges, drizzles, and downpours? We have umbrellas for that--clear ones with famous attractions around Norway, and black ones with the Norwegian flag! Come on in and get ready before the next big rainstorm ☔🌧
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08/07/2025

Happy ! In 2017, we digitized a collection of glass plate negatives from Mark Ellingson. These images, digitally developed from those negatives, show day-to-day life on the farm many years ago and the bond children had with their animals. Cameras like this required the subjects to hold still for a while so that the image didn't blur or distort--as you can perhaps tell, not all of the animals in these pictures got the memo! What do you remember about life on the farm back in the old days?

08/05/2025

We're starting a brand new tradition -- ! Every Tuesday, we'll post something that you can find somewhere within the Heritage Center. If you can come in and tell us where it is at any point during the week before next Tuesday, you'll get a fun prize.

Do you know where these children's toys live? If so, come to our gift shop for a special treat 🍭🍬

And keep your eyes peeled, because next Tuesday we'll post a new Treasure Hunt item for you to find!
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07/25/2025

Thanks to Paddle Pilgrim Dave Ellingson and surprise guest Ellen Kolbo McDonah for an uplifting evening program about their journeys. Glad Dave could "come home" to the Driftless and visit us. If you missed his film, see the Comments for a link to view.

07/21/2025

Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:00pm

Where: Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Join us for an inspiring evening with pastor, author, and adventurer Dave Ellingson, known as the “Paddle Pilgrim.” Dave will present his film Coming Home, sharing stunning visuals and stories from his long-distance kayak journeys exploring faith, nature, and the meaning of home. Welcome to NORWAY from a kayak!

The program includes a screening of Coming Home, a live talk and audience Q&A, and a book signing opportunity with Dave.

Admission: Freewill donation appreciated.

07/19/2025

It's a beautiful day to host a reunion party for the Class of 1955! Let us know if you'd like to host your next event at Giants.