Aslak Lie Cabin Unveiling & Ribbon-Cutting

media release: The Aslak Lie House, a structure that has been in the process of being restored and rebuilt by Folklore Village community volunteers, interns, apprentices, and folk school students, is slated for its grand opening Saturday, June 21, 2025 starting at 3:30 pm.  Activities will include a conversation about the home’s original builder, Norwegian immigrant Aslak Lie, and the history and philosophy of the community-led restoration project, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the hand-restored home, a potluck, and an evening dance.  All activities are free and open to the public. 

Conversation and light refreshments will begin at Farwell Hall, 3210 County Road BB, Dodgeville, Wisconsin at 3:30, then move to the Aslak Lie site where the ribbon-cutting and home tour will take place at 5:00 pm, returning to Farwell Hall for the potluck and dance at 6:00 pm.

Aslak Lie was among the first from Norway to settle in the Blue Mounds area and was a central figure in establishing a stream of immigrants from Valdres to Blue Mounds. He was a renowned cabinet maker and designer, both in his native Norway, and in the area of Wisconsin where he settled. His cabinets are held in special collections in museums in Norway, as well as in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The steeple on the Springdale Lutheran Church in Mount Horeb, as well as its hand-carved altar are excellent examples of Lie’s design work. Folklore Village acquired Aslak Lie’s house in 2002.

Folklore Village is a nationally recognized folk arts center dedicated to enriching lives through time-honored traditions. Our year-round schedule includes folk school classes, barn dances, folk music and dance festivals, and more. 

More information on Folklore Village is available at http://www.folklorevillage.org