History Break with Sandra Bestland: Leprosy in 19th Century Norway

Spedalskhed Leprosy in 19th-Century Norway: The Most Cruel Disease That Flesh is Heir To

In the 19-century, Norway had the highest incidence of leprosy in all of Western Europe. The presentation will cover the history of the disease from biblical times through to the present, plus note the contributions of key medical figures from Norway to England to Minnesota who treated (and sometimes mistreated) leprosy patients who were referred to as “the living dead.” Goodhue County resident Dr. Just Christian Grönvold (1833-1895) was a Norwegian immigrant who settled in Wanamingo, Minnesota, where he cared for and treated patients for many afflictions, including leprosy.

About the Speaker: Sandra Bestland is an independent scholar who researches “all things Norwegian.” She has a BA from Hamline University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She is the editor for Agderlag Avisen, and an active member of Lakselaget, Sons of Norway, and  Norway House. She is in demand as a speaker on a variety of topics including leprosy in 19th-century Norway; Eidsvoll 1814; the contributions of Norwegian immigrants in 19th-century New York City; and Norwegians and the role of women during the American Civil War. Her most recent research project is how mining shaped the history of Norway. She is the Program Coordinator for N-AGA and the Chair for Tuesday Open House, which is an outreach ministry at Mindekirken in Minneapolis. She and her British husband Bill dote on Kong, their Siamese Manx cat.