About Friends of the Viking Ship

	Friends of the Viking Ship

ABOUT	HISTORY	PRESERVATION	TOURS	JOIN	RESOURCES
The Viking Ship Exhibit will be open between 1:00 and 4:00 PM on April 20, May 18, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, 2013. Last docent-led tour begins at 3:30 PM.

Friends of the Viking Ship, NFP incorporated in August, 2008 to work toward the preservation, public display & permanent home for the 1893 Viking ship.

Friends of the Viking Ship, NFP is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation.

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Once on display in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

the Viking ship in Lincoln Park, Chicago Image: Vesterheim Museum Archives

Accomplishments:
Seeing the plight of this historic treasure, "friends" rallied around the Viking and decided this "first ever" replica Viking ship needed to be preserved.

Since 2007...
• a website launched (August, 2007)
• a professional assessment of the Viking completed (November, 2007)
• a $52,000 grant awarded by American Express (2007) toward its stabilization (2008)
• incorporation of Friends of the Viking Ship, NFP (August 2008)
• visitor viewing platform erected (September 2008)
• regularly scheduled visitor's days (ongoing)
• educational posters showing brief history of the Viking installed (April 2010)
• security enhancements (May 2009 - September 2010)
• additional shelter enhancements (September 2011 and April 2012)
• cleaning and archiving of the Viking's deck boards (August 2011 and August 2012)
• regularly scheduled maintenance (ongoing)
• transfer of trusteeship from the Chicago Park District to the FOVS (September 2012)

Now located in Geneva, Illinois

The Viking ship in Good Templar Park Image: P. Straw

Board of Directors:

President, Lorraine Straw
Vice President, Elizabeth Safanda
Secretary, Frances Berg
Treasurer, William Scheiderich
Pat Hanson
Brian Ibsen
Ken Nordan
David Nordin
Margaret Selakovich
Andrew Woods

Can you help?
Many parts of the Viking and pieces that traveled with her, such as china and glassware, have disappeared. We appeal to those who might know of their whereabouts and request their return. We are accepting donations of items and memorabilia relating to the Viking. Items will be properly cataloged, and may be used as a part of the Viking ship exhibit.

MISSION:
The purpose of “Friends of the Viking Ship, N.F.P.” (FOVS) is: to facilitate the preservation of the 1893 Viking Ship as an important artifact from the Columbian Exposition, and to advocate its public display in a permanent museum setting with adequate security and climate control. To accomplish this goal, FOVS will raise funds for its protection and preservation, and for interpretation of its history. FOVS will also seek appropriate partners who share our mission of securing an optimal long-term home.

Please help us with a contribution.

Friends of the Viking Ship, NFP is a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.