05.17.18

Cantwell Legislation to Designate Seattle’s Nordic Museum as National Nordic Museum Passes Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to designate the Nordic Museum in Seattle as the National Nordic Museum passed through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The designation is in recognition of the museum’s unique work to preserve, celebrate, and educate the American public about Nordic history, culture, and art.

“The social fabric that defined Nordic cultures for generations has also shaped us in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States,” said Senator Cantwell. “Not only does this museum preserve 12,000 years of Nordic history, emphasizing maritime and fishing heritage, but it also focuses on innovation and the future.”

Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and educating Americans since its founding in 1980, the Nordic Museum is the only museum in the United States solely focused on honoring the legacy of immigrants from the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

“The Nordic Museum in Seattle, Washington is the only museum in the United States dedicated to Nordic history, culture, and art,” the bill reads. “Nordic people have long contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the United States.”

The Nordic Museum has become an internationally recognized museum and cultural center where people of all backgrounds can be inspired by the values, traditions, art, and spirit of the Nordic peoples.

“Thank you to Senator Cantwell. We appreciate her leadership on this bill that designates the Nordic Museum in Washington state as ‘National Nordic Museum,’” said Eric Nelson, CEO of the Nordic Museum. “Nordic immigrants and innovations played a huge role in shaping our nation. As the only Nordic Museum in the US, our mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place.”

On May 5, 2018, a new state-of-the-art facility was opened in Seattle to house the Nordic Museum, making Nordic history, culture, and art even more engaging and accessible to the public.

“In addition to history, our goal is to bring to life for all visitors the arts, culture, and social values that define the Nordic region today, such as openness, social justice, innovation and connection to nature which are universal and more important than ever,” Nelson continued. “It was an honor to have Senator Cantwell at the Nordic Museum’s grand opening a week ago."

Having passed through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the National Nordic Museum Act will now move on to the full Senate for consideration.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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