What’s the deadline for submitting names?

Whenever the plaques fill up—perhaps in 2008. Our timing depends on how fast the donations come in for the remaining plaques. We hope donors won’t wait till the last minute. Submitting a name early will allow you time to check over our list and make sure your submission is right.

How many names will there be?

At least 1,400. About 850 names have been added to the rune stones, and we’re hoping to fill up the rest sometime in 2008.

Does each name get its own plaque or nameplate?

No, there are 13 plaques with room for up to 100 names on each plaque.

Should we use the name our family left home with or the Americanized version? My maiden name or my married name?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Some have submitted the name they think friends and family will look for, and others have decided to honor their original names.

I want family names together, even if their last names aren’t the same.

The names are alphabetical by last name. Unfortunately, we can’t make exceptions and put family members with different names together. We also can’t abbreviate countries or make other changes to names (such as running several names together without spaces) that would appear to the public to be a mistake.

Is it just for immigrants who have passed on?

No! It’s a tribute to Scandinavian immigration and for all immigrants from Scandinavia, whether they’ve passed on or are still living. About one-fourth of the submissions are for immigrants who are still living and working in the area.

Is this just for Norwegians?

No, it’s for immigrants from all the Scandinavian countries. So far, the donations represent: Norwegians 83%; Swedes 9%; Icelanders 4%; Danes 3%; and Finns 1%. We’d like immigrants from all the groups. (Interestingly, the 1990 Washington state census reported that of those with Scandinavian heritage, the percentages were Norwegian 50%, Swedish 33%, Danish 10%, Finnish 6%, and Icelandic 1%.) We need more Swedes, Danes and Finns!

Why did the Port move the statue and how far did they move it?

As part of a general renovation of Shilshole Marina, the statue was moved a very short distance within the same general area.

What happens to any money that’s left over?

We’ll use it toward our mission, which is to promote Leif Erikson’s place in history, support Scandinavian activities and culture in the Northwest, and build bridges between Scandinavia and America.

Who is Leif Erikson International Foundation (LEIF)?

We’re a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. We raised funds for the statue of Leif Erikson that was given to Trondheim, Norway, in 1997, and partial funding for a statue of Leif Erikson for Erik the Red’s home place in Greenland. We create the monthly calendar of Scandinavian events, NW Nordics. Our Board members are Mary Englund, Barbara Grande Dougherty, Kristine Leander, Rolf Lystad, Dick Sandaas, and Sharon Storbo.

Does LEIF have plans for any more statues?

Although it’s just a dream at this point, we hope to raise funds for one more statue. We’ve given statues to the Saga-mentioned locations of Norway and Greenland, and we’d like to make sure that the Viking settlement in Vinland—known now as L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland—has a replica of this statue.

How do I submit a name or get more information?

Just print, complete and return this signup form with your donation.

For information about the project, or call LEIF president Kristine Leander at 206-778-1081.

Will you notify us when it’s done?

Absolutely! We unveiled the first 850 names already and look forward to completing the plaques and unveiling the remaining names. Consider yourself invited to an unveiling party. We’ll let you know the date and time.

Where can I read more?

Read about LEIF's immigration tribute project in the Ballard News-Tribune.