Saturday, July 1, 2017

New Kensington Rune Stone Visitor Center Construction Progressing Nicely


Recently I received an email update from Brad Bonk at Douglas County about the progress of construction of the new Kensington Rune Stone Visitors Center at the Ohman Farm in Kensington, Minnesota.  The Ohman Family has long hoped a visitor's center would be constructed at the farm to tell the story about their ancestors who first physically homesteaded the property in 1890.  The center will also present educational information about the important historical artifact Olof Ohman and his two sons, Olof Jr. and Edward, discovered while clearing trees on the property in preparation for farming in the fall of 1898.  While the history of the century-plus long controversy of the authenticity of the artifact will be a part of the information presented, the weight of evidence supporting authenticity, together with the lack of evidence supporting the "belief" by many it was a modern hoax, have appropriately put the emphasis on celebrating the important historical artifact that it is.

Because both Darwin Ohman and I provided technical and historical input into the design of the displays and interpretive information to be presented, we can tell you it is going to be an excellent educational tool.  I know the public will be impressed and very proud of this state-of-the-art facility that will tell the story about this incredible historical artifact and the Ohman Family who first brought it to the attention of the world, especially for young people and children.  It's long overdue that the artifact and the family are finally getting the proper respect and recognition they so richly deserve.  I look forward to the grand opening scheduled for the fall of 2017.

You can read about the progress at the park at the following link:    

https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.echopress.com/news/4284241-kensington-rune-stone-visitor-center-progress-schedule&c=E,1,dMrNg2PBRQwmr8wLft2t2u8LT9bvkkQA_HzLmOyN9SF5bKaGrLvc1R4IBil6K4mX4ljt88BmLX0DjhJr-7Ag9phpp2HBlusLMvMyYQCtFltIqVD36pX3k-mm&typo=1


The concrete cast-in-place footings and walls were recently placed for the new Kensington Rune Stone Visitor Center currently under construction at the Ohman Farm in Kensington, Minnesota, which is now a Douglas County Park. 



Arial view of the Ohman Farm.  The new visitor's center is located in the open area between the road and the trees in the upper middle area not far from the original Ohman home.


This photo was taken by the Ohman Family in the late 1950's.  The original house on the left and barn on the right have been preserved and still stand.  The original wind vane erected to pump water from the well was taken down decades ago.  However, it was recently relocated and re-erected after being purchased and returned to the farm.

76 comments:

  1. Is the story of the stone being told by a cartoon character that is more geared to the Viking age?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      There will be no slant toward the Viking Age as the Kensington Stone is dated 1362. This was three centuries after the Viking era ended in 1066. The inscription was carved by a Cistercian monk traveling with a party of fugitive Templar knights, along with at least a couple of Native American guides, to place the inscribed stone in the ground as a medieval land claim.

      Effectively, the KRS was the beginning of the founding of the United States of America, or, as they called in the 14th Century, a "Free Templar State."

      Delete
    2. Scott,

      You stated previously that the Templars had completely integrated with the Native American tribes along the east coast by this time, which is why there have been no physical artifacts of Templars ever found in North America. If that is the case, there would be no Cistercian monk, they wouldn't be Templar fugitives, and they wouldn't need native guides.

      Would this not be a Native American land claim then?


      Regards,

      D

      Delete
    3. D,

      I never said the Templars had completely assimilated with Native Americans by 1362, you did. Therefore, all of your assertions are incorrect.

      I'm afraid you're using flawed logic my friend.

      Delete
    4. "No physical artifacts"???

      What about the Newport Tower? The Westford Knight? Come on man, haven't you been paying attention.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous,

      The other Anonymous is just being obstinate. Of course there are pre-Columbian Knights Templar artifacts in North America and the Newport Tower and Westford Knight are just two. We also have five rune stones with the Hooked X, the stone ruins at New Ross, numerous carvings in Nova Scotia and beyond, along with hundreds of stones holes all across the continent.

      The collective body of evidence is conclusive, but people like the 'Other Anonymous' will deny anything and everything to try and maintain their radical beliefs that borders on fanaticism.

      All I can say is the real KRS party has yet to begin. ;-)

      Delete
    6. Scott,

      I see you did not want to post my response. That's fine, like I've said before its your blog play it as you want.

      Regards,

      D

      Delete
    7. D,

      I will not allow my blog site to become a playground for trolls or those who want to try and play "gotcha." I have a folder of saved troll comments I haven't posted that's now well over a hundred. The vast majority the rants of one person, but he and the other trolls know what the rules here. Keep it civil and factual and it's all good.

      You know what to do.

      Delete
    8. Scott,

      Neither was I "trolling" or trying to play a game of "gotcha". My response was a reasonable one, quoting you in a previous blog post stating that the Templars had integrated with Native Ameiricans and therefore archaeologists would not be able to tell the difference between the cultural material of either group in the archaeological record.

      AgaIn I am not trying to troll and only trying to follow your argument.

      Regards,

      D

      Delete
    9. D,

      OK, let’s try again. Complete assimilation would take at least 2 to 3 generations I would think. Even though we know the Templars were visiting North America beginning in the twelfth century, they didn’t begin staying permanently in meaningful numbers until after the putdown in 1307. The first group of knights who stayed permanently began coming over roughly two to three decades later.

      Since the Templars shared a similar ideology with their native hosts assimilation happened fairly rapidly. My question to you, and to any archaeologist, is what would we expect to find that would indicate a European presence if full assimilation occurred?

      I’ve heard the argument that European influence would have affected agricultural practices, but these guys were knights, not farmers. What else would we expect to find?

      Delete
  2. Brother Scott, I hope we can see it in November when we go to the 33rd at the SR Temple in Minneapolis.

    Neal L Martin
    Grand Forks, ND

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bro Neal,

      I see no reason why you couldn't and let me know when you are planning to go as I might meet you there and talk about the farm and the discovery of the KRS.

      Delete
  3. Scott,

    When can we talk about the REALLY BIG AVM?

    Anthony Warren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy 4th Scott,

      For all the doubters, there's an ENORMOUS AVM stamped upon the North American landscape. The diamond of which measures 10x10x10x10 in miles.

      There's more to it but, this is a good start.

      Anthony Warren

      Delete
    2. Anthony,

      If you're talking about a diamond of those dimensions that is bound on one side by Virgin(ia), and Mary-land on the other then yes, I know what AVM you refer to.

      Delete
  4. Teiwaz, The Warrior Rune, associated with rationality and analysis, characterizes this endeavor!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Scott. If one were to consider that the Newport Tower is a defensive Scandinavian Christian church, and that the KRS was written by a Christian (AVM), and that the Sauk Lake Altar Rock (formerly called the Viking Altar Rock) was likely used as a very early medieval Christian Altar--based in large part on two large horizontal stoneholes about 12" apart for a small altar table, one would have to conclude that medieval Scandinavian Christians were heavily involed in numerous expeditions to Vinland and into the MN and Dakotas region.

    Yes, I agree Scott...the evidences are overwhelming in favor of medieval Scandinavians having arrived here, not just hundreds of years before the adventures of Columbus, but even longer before the French arrived. The academics and professional historians have missed this one terribly, because hideboundness requires that the French were here before the Scandinavians. But at least a few people from this area know the real truth of the matter.

    Ultimately, stoneholes in rocks will win the day as the glue holdig the medieval Christian evidemces together...on the East Coast in the region of Vinland, with the Newport Tower, at Sauk Centre, MN, with the Altar Rock, and in Kensington, MN, with the KRS.

    Confusing the issue somewhat is that at one time the Templars and the Catholic Church worked together in apparent harmony, while at a later time they became bitter enemies. We know the exact date of the KRS, but not the Newport Tower or the stoneholes in the Altar Rock, for example.

    America's Hooked X's seem to belong to the latter half of the Fourteenth Century, and there is no question about whether or not Hooked X's and stoneholes are found together: along the East Coast they are, and in MN they are, and my guess is that many authentic medieval Scandinavian stoneholes up here pre-date the KRS for varying reasons, but especially for the purpose of claiming land.

    I'm looking forward to any new information you may have about any of this in your new book, Scott.

    PS: I hope they eventually take down the signage at Runestone Park that has to do with Holand's lame "mooring stone" theory. The sign is on the ridgeline just west of Runestone Hill, by some stoneholes. This is as bad as pagan Viking Big Ole in Alexandria next to the Runestone Museum announcing that Alex is the Birthplace of America! I hope future messaging dosen't come across as retarded as it still currently does. It shouldn't be that hard to present something closer to the truth.

    - Gunn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gunn,

      My book is just about done and along with three other books being simultaneously written by others pertaining to various aspects of the new information will be a watershed of new data and facts that will put an end to the speculation and hoax theories that never did have any factual support.

      I know I've been teasing this for a while now, but we are not going to make it public until fully vetted. That process takes as long as it takes, but I can assure you and everyone else it will be worth the wait.

      Isn't it interesting that since Compelling New Evidence was published eleven years ago there hasn't been one word from the Scandinavian scholars about inscription being modern. That's because everything the early scholars complained never existed has now been found to be medieval. We owe Dick Nielsen the lion's share of credit for that with a huge assist from Prof. Henrik Williams, and a minor assist from me and my microscopes.

      In fact, the top runic scholar in the world recently said the KRS is 70/30 of it probably being a hoax. This still gives those who believe it's a hoax hope, but what it really means is that scholar knows the inscription is probably medieval and is hedging his bet for when it's finally accepted as authentic. That's a scholar who's finally getting smart likely sensing something big is about to come.

      He's right on the money.

      Delete
    2. Fantastic news! Greatly looking forward to your next book here in Minneapolis.

      Delete
  6. Have you ever heard of henry Sinclair the second

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brettany,

      If you are referring to Earl Henry Sinclair's son Henry, then yes I certainly have.

      Delete
  7. That's cool and you are very smart

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can you help me out with something

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. And why does a dare stone say father look to bark of tree certain sign among
    Them why would a dare stone say bury all here east of this river upon small hill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brettany,

      I am completely open to the (Eleanor) Dare Stone being authentic. I' also open to some of the other Dare Stones being authentic as well. It is an open question at this point as no serious research or laboratory analysis has been performed. I would love to be able to do that at some time.

      Delete
  12. Have you seen Roanoke search for the seven

    ReplyDelete
  13. It is about Roanoke island and the dare stones

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have been to North Carolina before and its been a long while since I have been there but I have never been to dare county North Carolina

    ReplyDelete
  15. Have you heard of the CSS HL Hunley

    ReplyDelete
  16. CSS HL Hunley was the namesake for Horus Lawson Hunley He died with the second crew on the American diver

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brettany,

      This information is interesting, but off the current topic. Why don't you contact me via email and we can continue there.

      Thanks!

      Delete
  17. Have you ever considered collecting dna testing on Scandinavians? My mom and my aunt both came back with native dna and their mother was first born in North america and their grandmother on their fathers side, was also first born.. I opened that can of worms cause mine came back with jewish, we have it recorded as a Spanish girl that came into the family in 1500's we have more Jew than native in us. and that kinda jives when the Spaniard expelled Jews from Spain. geology was my favorite elective, keep up the good work, I think your spot on and pretty fairly biased.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dave,

      DNA testing will be the final word on the truth and complexity of trans-continental travel in Pre-Columbian times. DNA has already thrown a wrench into "accepted" historical narrative and it's only going to get worse; or better in my opinion.

      Geology is the only science that is completely objective. Rocks don't care, people do.

      Delete
  18. Scott, I've got rocks for brains.

    Imagine this: without rocks, the medieval Scandinavians who sojourned here could not have communicated with some of us in this modern age. They chose out areas to claim land, using all-necessary rocks.

    Yes, rocks were completely necessary, and in the case of my proposed Norse Code-stone, I believe holes in rocks were used to indicate a good digging spot for re-claiming a past land-claim.

    If I may wax abstract for a few moments...down on Earth, someone stumbles upon a line of rocks with two small, slightly triangular-shaped holes hand-chiseled into each one. How strange.... Yes, these have to be man-made, but why?

    Native Americans pass by hunting, occasionally, for hundreds of years. A late 1800's railroad surveying crew sees the rocks, but they are only a curiosity. They do not see the Norse Code-stone a dozen paces away up over the ridgeline, showing in miniature the same line of rocks as on the ridgeline. They drill about three dozen large, sometimes fancy star-shaped stoneholes in nearby rocks, very much confusing the site for future stonehole-gazers (like me).

    Now, today, the medieval Scandinavians are all gone from the lonely ridgeline. The railroad stonehole makers are long gone. A solitary figure--that of a "Stonehole Nut"--approaches the scene and is baffled for a few years. Then the solitary figure of a man shows up again and discovers a what appears to be a purposely positioned Code-stone of sorts. Now things begin to make sense.

    (The rocks in my brain begin to shift around and rattle.)

    The Code-stone is showing me to dig. How? By having the first stonehole in line shallow, the next one a few inches deep, and the final one noticibly deeper still. Okay. Good idea. I got it.

    Why is a chunk of rock cracked off from an adjacent rock--apart from the line of other stonehole-marked rocks--and from a stonehole? Well, according to my metal detector, it was to show someone kind of like me where something relating to the discharge of the Pomme de Terre River is buried...and you see, its still buried there.

    You must understand that this river reaches farthest up into the Minnesota River watershed, so that a medieval attempt at claiming land from this position makes perfectly good sense.

    But now, still, we are hopelessing waiting for Minnesota authorities to take some responsibility for this site, since it is on State land. Since it is on State land, we must still deal with skeptical State authorities who do not believe Scandinavians were in this region before the French.

    It's really this simple, and stupid...and you're right, Scott:

    Rocks don't care, people do. (Or don't.) Thanks.

    - Gunn

    ReplyDelete
  19. Replies
    1. Brettany,

      Forgot to give you my email: swolter@amengtest.com

      Delete
  20. Can you help me out with a question

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brettany,

      Please contact me via email. swolter@amengtest.com

      Delete
  21. Will they allow you to present your KRS/Templar theories with the educational exhibits?
    JL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JL,

      Haven't seen the final layout of the interpretive displays so I don't know. If they do, it'll likely be minimal. I'm OK with that. The world isn't ready yet.

      Delete
    2. It's hard to see the point if they're not going to present the whole story. Let's hope for the best.

      Andre Kovac

      Delete
    3. Andre,

      Government's vision of interpretation of controversial subjects is a lot different than legitimate researchers. I'm hoping to for a balanced compromise.

      Things will change as the new information comes out. Let's see how it goes.

      Delete
  22. Hello Scott,

    Before talking more about the AVM stamped upon America, I've been meaning to ask...Has anyone checked the proper area of South America for another land claim stone? Like a sister version of the KRS perhaps?

    Anthony Warren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anthony,

      I don't know if there is a sister version of the KRS in South America, but it wouldn't surprise me. However, as I've said many times before, there was a lot more to the original slab of rock the KRS was split of from which leaves open the very real possibility of a companion slab somewhere else. Perhaps it was meant to be fit together to complete a larger land claim area.

      Perhaps that the rest of the stone will be discovered someday. It's out there somewhere.

      Delete
    2. In the nineteenth century, building stones were the way to go as concrete hadn't yet become the norm. A fascinating industry, and perhaps the source for the KRS.
      https://www.archive.org/stream/reportonbuilding00unit?ref=ol#page/n0/mode/2up
      JL

      Delete
    3. Scott,

      Based upon what I've learned over the years, I think there could possibly be 3 stones. One to cover North America, one for South America, and a third stone in Central America to tie them all together. These people never put all of their eggs into one basket. This is such a fascinating topic, I hope I'm still living when it's conclusively solved in Public Mind.

      Anthony Warren

      Delete
    4. JL,

      Source for the KRS? What is that supposed to mean? If you think it is a 19th Century creation then you are on the wrong the blog site.

      Delete
    5. Before the molding process that you had authorized which unfortunately stained the KRS brown, it had the appearance of a New York bluestone. These slabs were commercially available in the nineteenth century for common use given that concrete was in its developmental stage. That's what I meant by the source for the KRS. As a scientist, I had thought you'd appreciate leaving the discussion open given that the issue of authenticity remains in question outside these friendly confines. Even the visitor center which is the subject of this discussion will no doubt leave that question open as well if it is to have educational purpose. But you have to admit, it did look like a NY bluestone at one time. You can admit that, right?
      JL

      Delete
    6. JL,

      Let’s get a few facts straight before we go anywhere else. First, I did not authorize the molding process. It was authorized by the Runestone Museum. Second, the molding process performed by sculptor Robert Johnson, in 2003, DID NOT change the color of the KRS in any way. Third, the geology of the KRS is not New York Bluestone; it is a Paleoproterozoic meta-graywacke most likely from the Thomson Formation in the Duluth-Superior region. Fourth, there is zero factual evidence the KRS is a hoax. The belief it was a hoax was, and still is, the firmly held faith of “True Believers” who refuse to admit that scholars for the past 119 years were wrong in their unsupported negative opinion. Lastly, the voluminous factual evidence in multiple disciplines have proven the KRS is a 14th Century medieval artifact. It is no longer an open question as far as the facts go. However, debunkers and those who refuse to accept, or even acknowledge, the facts will remain unmoved in their negative faith. That is their choice.

      Now to answer your question; No, the KRS doesn’t look anything like NY Bluestone which I have examined numerous times in our laboratory.

      Delete
    7. JL,

      In your last comment submission you crossed line into being a troll and are now done. Thanks.

      Delete
    8. Truth hurts.
      JL

      Delete
    9. JL,

      Apparently it does, but you'll get over it eventually. Hang in there.

      Delete
  23. These "people" must be unaware of the 11th commandment.

    Thou shalt not dwell in Thy mother's basement!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      It's where extremists go when they have no facts to support their beliefs. Some poor souls resort to Amazon reviews to spout their venom where they aren't censored.

      I guess it's all the nay-sayers have left. Wait till the new stuff comes out.

      Delete
    2. Yes, I have read the venom you talk about in the Amazon review of your friend, Zena Halpern's, book.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous,

      Zena, myself and other researchers are happy to entertain questions, comments or criticism that is presented in a respectful way. I am only interested in getting things right; not solely focused on 'being right."

      Trolling and hateful attacks do not help us get closer to the truth.

      Delete
    4. why do you feel Mr. Ruh wrote such a review?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous,

      Because Zena didn't honor her agreement with Don. She would have had nothing without him allowing her to use the material he has a legitimate copy write to. It's an unfortunate situation.

      Delete
    6. interesting...I first read on this whole story in your book. From what you said, I gather you must had been granted permission from both to use the info and pictures in your book.

      Delete
    7. Yes, both Don and Zena gave me permission to write about my experiences with the documents that began in 2006, and my two treks up Hunter Mountain in 2009 and 2010. We agreed that I should call the chapter the "C-Document" as they wanted to protect other material and not use "Cremona" until they published their book.

      They both felt it was fair to allow me to discuss the multiple Hooked X’s that appear within document and the Nova Scotia map. These Hooked X’s were completely consistent with my thesis the symbol was used exclusively by the medieval Cistercians and their Knights Templar brethren.

      What I find very telling is the silence of scholars and detractors of the KRS, and the other four North America rune stones that have the Hooked X. That silence is deafening as the case for authenticity of the vitally important artifact has now been proven conclusively.

      Let’s be clear, I will always be open to questions and legitimate criticism. However, for the last decade-plus since “Compelling New Evidence” was published, the case has been effectively closed.

      Having said all that; the best is yet to come!

      Delete
  24. yes. What part of your book info on that subject - c document - came directly from Don? Was that info different than Ms. Halpern's book / and or pictures? All for now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      You’ll have to read the two books and see for yourself. There is some overlap in Zena’s book, but certainly not all.

      Almost all of my pictures are different; it's a good read. Check it out.

      Delete
  25. ok, thanks. Good suggestion. My question was : what part of your book info came from Mr. Ruh? That was the comparison I was interested to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Only parts of the "C"-Document chapter. By the way, both Don and I have completed soon-to-be-published books that includes important new "C"-Doc material no one has seen yet. The difference here is we have a signed written agreements between us with respect to his copyrighted material.

      Once these, and two other books currently in the works on this and related subject matter are published, it will turn the question about pre-Columbian contact by the Templars in North America on its head!

      Stay tuned.

      Delete
    2. Scott

      Can you please give us a teaser for your new findings? Since "Based on the new documents, there is no evidence suggesting the Templars visited the central part of the continent prior to the KRS party." -from your blog "Richard Nielsen's Grail Code is Alive and Well." In your new evidence - What major sea did they travel from to get to the KRS? Was it down from Hudsons Bay via: the Red River, up the MS River from the Gulf, from West Coast via: Columbia/Missouri Rivers over a Mt. Pass or from the Atlantic via St. Lawrence /Great Lakes. How did they travel, by foot or native canoe using portages?

      P@

      Delete
    3. Pasadena,

      I'll be revealing some of the new information in my lecture in Maine late next month. Don't want to jump the shark too early.

      Delete
  26. Hi Scott,
    I stumbled upon a documentary you appear in, entitled "1362 Enigma Documentary of the Vikings arrival in Kensington Minnesota". It looks like it was made in the early 2000's. You probably haven't seen it in a while, if at all. Early in the film as they set up the story of Olaf and his family, just after a picture of his son, an aerial view of the topography of the discovery site is shown. Now, maybe I'm seeing things, but there is clearly a huge 'R' on the left where the stone was found, and an equally large 'X' on the right lawn. Have no idea if this is natural or a tribute. Check out the video.
    Thanks for all your work to bring the truth to light,
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve,

      I have walked the property dozens of times and haven't seen anything that suggests man made features like that. There's no question the stone holes imply a purposeful manipulation of those specific glacial boulders which likely included moving some of them to complete the geometry necessary for a returning party to find the KRS. However, I have never seen anything like you describe on satellite photos I've reviewed.

      Maybe I missed something?

      Delete