Norwegian Americans: Cemeteries

The Norwegian government is taking a stronger role in preserving older cemeteries and graves. The cemeteries in Ramnes and Tønsberg are two examples of how the government is working to preserve them as sites of unique cultural value.

Things To Know
Keep in mind the following when looking for a burial site in a Norwegian cemetery or churchyard.
 * There are three alternatives for burial sites: single graves, family plots, or spreading of ashes
 * There is no law stating you have to have a tombstone on your grave
 * There is no obligation to plant flowers or plants on the graves, but the leaseholder of the plot has a responsibility to see that the grave is kept in order.
 * Markers and stones must be sucurely fastened with no danger of falling down
 * The timeperiod for a leasehold is determined by the individual cities/municipalities
 * The fee for use of the burial site is determined by the individual communities
 * After 20 years the remains can be removed and the plot can be reused. Some communities do not allow leases of more than 20 years
 * After a grave has been emptied the stone must be moved within 6 months. The stones can be taken home or the church can buy them and reuse them.
 * Graves over 100 years old are considered to be antiques and are regulated by special ordinances

Helpful Books
Helge Klingberg, Oddbjørn Sørmoen, and Aud Wefald. Kirkegaarden - et levende kulturminne 2005. ARFO, 2005

Helge Klingberg. Den nye kirkegårdsboka, Ars Longa, 2005

Online Resources
www.kirkegaardskultur.no/

www.lovdata.no

www.namesinstone.com/

www.findagrave.com/

www.interment.net/

www.usgenweb.org/

www.theevergreenscemetery.com/

Norwegian American Mortuary Art in Vernon County, WI