(This commentary was published in Alexandria's Echo Press on July 19th, 2020, without the photos) Marker Plate for Kensington Runestone Contains Inaccuracies By Robert Voyles, Minnetonka, MN This seems to be a suitable season to opine over "public symbols" from the past, so I thought I might add in my own two cents' worth over the worthiness or unworthiness of a particular local bronze marker plate. The marker plate is self-dated to 1948 and was erected on Runestone Hill to commemorate the finding spot of the Kensington Runestone. But, I submit that there are some serious flaws in the message on the marker-plaque, flaws that distort an otherwise seemingly truthful and orderly historical account of the 1362 medieval excursion into Minnesota by a band of Swedes and Norwegians. The lingering question in my mind is over what to do with the inaccurate — and therefore, offensive — cement and bronze monument. I'm what you might call a "KRS message purist," me...
I'm facinated by the Kensington Runestone, self-dated to 1362. The stone document was discovered near Kensington, Minnesota in 1898 by farmer Olof Ohman. I believe the simple story carved onto the KRS. The purpose of this blog is to look at and discuss various interests possibly connected to the KRS in some way. Comments are welcome. After commenting, please hit the "Publish" tab.