The Ottesen Museum, located between the campuses of Bethany Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mankato, Minnesota, houses a unique collection of of artifacts and photos concerning the history of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and its predecessor synod, the Norwegian Synod. The museum is operated under the auspices of the Synod’s Committee on Archives and History.
The main level includes chronological displays concerning Norwegian immigration to America, the founding of Norwegian Lutheran congregations in the Midwest, and the subsequent history of the ELS, its institutions, and a display related to parish life. The interior of a frontier cabin is replicated in the basement.
Admission is free, and the museum is generally open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Those traveling from a distance may wish to schedule a visit with Director of Programming Becky DeGarmeaux.
Call 507-344-7421 or submit your request via this contact form.
