Campbell Norsgaard collection, 1938-1946

Campbell Norsgaard collection, 1938-1946

NAHA 2022/013

1938-1946

Biography/History:
Norsgaard was a professional photographer and cinematographer, originally from Norway, but for much of his late life he lived in Lakeville, Connecticut. Campbell Norsgaard was the official photographer for the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNAF) and its training facilities in Canada from nearly the beginning of World War II until its closure. During this period, he photographed the servicemen and their airplanes, the Royal Family, various training facilities and many official and unofficial activities. Later in life, Norsgaard made nature documentaries for the National Geographic Society.

Campbell Norsgaard Photography

The photographic collection by Campbell Norgaard consists of approximately 23 4x5 inch color transparencies, 212 color slides, 745 35mm black and white negatives, 46 3x5 inch black and white negatives, and 950 black and white prints. All of the slides, transparencies, and negatives date from the early part of World War II through the close of the war.

Most of the color transparencies are from Canada, including aerial views of Vesle Skaugum, portraits of Colonel Ole Reistad and examples of pilots and their planes. A majority of the 212 slides are from the RNAF airlift of transport aircraft from Canada to India during the war. Some slides show airplane hangers and training facilities, as well as crewmen interacting with the people of India. 54 of the slides document the return of King Haakon VII to norway. 

The 745 35mm black and white negatives cover different geographic locations from Canada, India, Norway, and England, not to mention Sigrid Undseth’s trip across the Soviet Union to Japan and the United States during the war. There are also some negatives of the Royal Family and Armistice in Norway. 

The 46 3x5 inch black and white negatives are of peace days in Norway, the 199th Division United States Forces on Parade in Oslo (1945) and the RNAF in Canada in relation to the India airlift.  Of the 950 black and white prints, there are approximately 300 portraits of Norwegian pilots standing with their aircraft which are signed in ink by the pilots.

Campbell Norsgaard Films

Nineteen 16mm reel-to-reel films from about 1942-1946. Much of the footage was filmed in black-and-white.  Documents life at Camp Little Norway in Canada, the Royal Family in Canada, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Royal Family returning home, and Norway/Russia tour, and more.

0.4 cubic feet (1 archives box) and 19 films

English

Norwegian

Film

Photographs

The collection is open for use.

[Indicate the cited item here]. Campbell Norsgaard Collection. Norwegian-American Historical Association, Northfield, Minnesota.