The world’s oldest national trust is International National Trusts Organisation’s (INTO’s) newest member and its 100th: Fortidsminneforeningen, the National Trust of Norway.
INTO writes:
INTO is delighted to welcome Fortidsminneforeningen, the National Trust of Norway, as our 100th member. Fortidsminneforeningen was established in 1844 and has had a central role in the protection of Norway’s historical sites, including the internationally renowned Stave churches. The organisation enjoys the support of an extensive and committed volunteer network, with over 7000 active members.
To reach 100 members is an incredible milestone for INTO and for international heritage.
Sharing learning
At the heart of what we do is to exchange expertise and bring together organisations to share learning. Our member organisations range in size from single sites to Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust, and in age from newly established to now, the oldest in the world.
We’re excited to see how working with Fortidsminneforeningen can bring new knowledge to our network.
About Fortidsminneforeningen
Fortidsminneforeningen was founded in 1844 by artists, art historians and architects, in a country where the general public had not yet become aware of their valuable heritage. Stave churches fell into disrepair and were demolished in the spirit of progress, while artefacts from the Middle Ages were lost. Antiquity and the Middle Ages were prioritized in the first fifty years of the Society’s work.
Shortly after its foundation, the association began to acquire properties, by purchase or as gifts. It has continued to do so to this day. The purpose was – and is – to save them from decay or demolition. Today Fortidsminneforeningen owns and manages 43 historic properties, among them eight of the country’s 28 stave churches, four stone churches and four monastery ruins from the Middle Ages.
