Laurann Gilbertson holds degrees in anthropology and textiles and clothing from Iowa State University. She has worked at the Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum for 32 years and is currently its chief curator.
Anna Anderson began her tablecloth on her journey from Norway to the United States. “My mother gave me the tablecloth when I was leaving and told me that when I was feeling lonesome I should work on it,” she recalled.