This show centers on a trip Ozzie took with two of his sons to Norway during the summer of 1980. There he found the birthplaces of his two grandparents who immigrated to America in the 1870's and 1880's. Through the course of the show, Ozzie encourages the children to develop a pride in their own heritage. He asks them to listen to the older members of the family, record their stories and try to gain a broader understanding of the present by investigating the past.
Viking Ships
Using a 10 foot long cut-out model of the longship, Ozzie explains its design and construction. In a way that is easy even for the younger children to understand, he explores the Vikings as seamen and shipbuilders.
The Family Tree
Using a large genalogical chart, Ozzie shows the children how to trace thier roots and create a simple family tree.
A True Story
Aside from collecting names and birthdates of anscestors, Ozzie encourages the children to preserve the family stories. He recreates a hair-raising story told to him by his pioneer mother who saved four animals from a burning barn.
A Norwegian Legend
From true stories to legends, Ozzie makes the connection by staging a lively puppet show, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Student volunteers play the goats that outwit the six foot tall troll puppet.
The Norway Trip
Ozzie concludes with a beautiful slide show covering Viking Culture and his trip to Norway. The climax of the story centers on finding the tiny island where his grandmother was born and revealing the tragedy that brought her to America.
