Dr. David Krueger to discuss the American Rune Stone

On Saturday, Oct. 7, Augustana College will welcome author Dr. David Krueger to its campus to discuss topics from his book, “American Rune Stone – Monument, Memorial and Myth.” Dr. Krueger has been a contributor on radio and TV, including the Science Channel and the Travel Channel.

A runic inscription unearthed in a Minnesota farm field in 1898 proved to many that Vikings had visited the heart of North America in 1362, 140 years prior to the voyages of Columbus. Despite scientific and historical evidence that the stone was carved in the 19th century, scores of Midwesterners vigorously defended the stone’s authenticity. The Kensington Rune Stone functioned as a monument to Scandinavian immigrant achievement, a memorial to white settlers who died in the Dakota War of 1862, and an anchor to the myth that a small Minnesota town was the true Birthplace of America.

The presentation is free, and will take place in the Hanson Hall of Science at 7 p.m.