Fortidsminneforeningen

Rich traditions

Fortidsminneforeningen was established in 1844 by Norwegian artists who had "discovered" Norway's cultural heritage during academic excursions to rural districts and valleys. They wanted to share their discoveries and create a forum for preserving our past.

The founders were inspired by the organisations of cultural history that they had become acquainted with during academic sojourns in Germany. In the vanguard were the painters J. C. Dahl and Joachim Frich. Historians, art historians and archaeologists took part in the activities of Fortidsminneforeningen from the very beginning.

The purpose of Fortidsminneforeningen was "to discover, examine and maintain Norwegian cultural heritage monuments, in particular those which could enlighten the Cultural Awareness of the People and their Appreciation of Art from the Past, as well as to make these Objects known to the General Public through Illustration and Description." Fortidsminneforeningens's funds were to be used in part to support "Travels in our Native Country" and for educational activities that would serve aim of the organisation.

Fortidsminneforeningen was founded and run by prominent personalities at a time when the general public had not yet become aware of the values our ancestors had created. Antiquity and the Middle Ages were given priority during the Society's first fifty years. When five archaeological museums were established at the end of the century, followed by the 1905 Act relating to the Preservation of Antiquities, responsibility for ancient cultural monuments was clearly assigned. Thereafter conservation of our architectural heritage became the primary task, accompanied by a new interest in the rich architectural culture from the centuries after the medieval era.

It is worth noting that Fortidsminneforeningen had the formal responsibility for cultural heritage preservation. Fortidsminneforeningen enjoyed a prominent position and successfully pressed for the establishment of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage in 1912. It also played a key role during preparations for the 1920 Act relating to the Protection of Buildings. Although certain areas of public responsibility remained under the auspices of the executive board of Fortidsminneforeningen for several decades into the 1900s, the status of the organisation had changed.

Fortidsminneforeningen and the administration of Norway's cultural heritage

Historically, Fortidsminneforeningen has had close ties to the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. These ties have evolved from mutual dependency to constructive co-operation with both the Directorate and the Ministry of the Environment. No one prevents Fortidsminneforeningen from criticising official policy, if that is needed. Fortidsminneforeningen has no affiliation to any political party.

Official and voluntary cultural heritage efforts have the same goal, but different roles. Fortidsminneforeningen is free to use unconventional means in the service of preserving our cultural heritage. The Society’s strength lies in the interest of its members for and their devotion to the cultural heritage we have been bequeathed.

Co-operation with other organisations

Fortidsminneforeningen is not alone in its efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. Support groups often emerge locally in connection with special projects. A number of associations safeguard specific types of cultural monuments and their history. Conservation of coastal culture, historic vessels, railways that have been shut down, and vintage cars are areas in which devoted individuals make impressive contributions. It is essential that we exploit each other’s resources so that the unique expertise and experience of enthusiasts may benefit the overall cultural heritage effort. The largest national organisations for the preservation of cultural heritage have formed a joint foundation known as Norges Kulturvernforbund. By joining forces we will be more productive and have a common channel for promoting our mutual cause.