Laugh, Learn, & Connect with the Untold Stories of Scandinavia
Featuring Humorist & Historian Chad Filley – The Norsk Storyteller
“Chad isn’t just a storyteller, he is a time machine to the world of Scandinavian immigrants and their descendants.” Oscar “Red” Anderson
“Chad’s artistry is reminiscent of both the esteemed Minnesota storyteller Garrison Keillor and oral historian Studs Terkel.” Renee Vaughan
Chad has a welcoming and light-hearted presentation style that connected well with our congregation. We invited him to return this year to hear more stories and are excited to have him back. I’d highly recommend inviting Chad to come and speak!”
Rev. John Klawiter
Stay connected to the world of Scandinavian humor, history, and adventure by signing up for the Norsk Storytelling Newsletter. Each issue is packed with little-known tales from the Nordic countries, fun facts that will make you smile, behind-the-scenes stories from Chad Filley’s travels, and updates on where he’ll be performing next. Whether you have deep Scandinavian roots or just enjoy a good laugh and a great story, this newsletter brings a touch of Norway straight to your inbox.
Norwegian
Storyteller
Uff Da! Chad Filley isn’t just a storyteller; he’s a time machine to the world voices, giving breath once more to the dreams that built the heartland.
Chad is a historian and humorist. Most storytellers give you facts or laughs—Chad delivers both in one memorable performance.
He has traveled throughout Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands, gathering stories rarely heard in North America. His performances are more than just storytelling—audiences don’t just hear the tales, they experience them.
“Chad Filley is the reason we still know the stories of the folks who crossed the ocean. He just won’t let them be forgotten.”
- -Otto Johannsen.
- Norsk Hostfest Attendee
“Chad Filley’s Scandinavian Storytelling was a hit at the senior center!
He performed to a full house and did not disappoint!”
– Jody Van Lingen,
SAC’s Enrichment Center
Keynote
Speaker
Looking for a keynote speaker who leaves a lasting impact?
Since the early 1990s, Chad Filley has captivated audiences with a powerful blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable life lessons. His signature story, The Cross-Stitch Picture—a moving account of confronting the person responsible for his mother’s death—has left countless listeners deeply changed. (Watch it on the Video page of this site.)
Chad doesn’t just speak—he connects, inspires, teaches, and makes people laugh (and sometimes tear up), all while delivering messages they’ll carry for a lifetime.
“Why hire Chad Filley? Because you’re smart!”
– Kevin Kling
Minnesota Humorist
Past Venues
Chad has spoken at corporate functions, prisons, comedy clubs, school groups, festivals, banquets, libraries, and churches. Some memorable storytelling performances include:
Norsk Hostfest: Minot, ND
Emigration Museum: Ottestad, Norway
Bosque County Museum: Clifton, TX
Norsktoberfest: Glendive, MT
LefeseFest: Red Wing, MN
Kanabec County Fair: Mora, MN
Mindekirken: Minneapolis, MN
Gammelgarden: Scandia, MN
Solglimt Lodge: Cedar Falls, IA
Farwell Norwegian Church: Farwell, MN
Swedish American Museum: Swedesburg, IA
Rosewood Nursing Home: Forest Lake, MN
Elvesvingen Sons of Norway: Mankato
Iowa City Swedish Club: Iowa City, IA
Camp Cabaret: St. Paul, MN
Friendship Cafe (SAC’s): Cambridge, MN
A Center For The Arts: Fergus Falls, MN
Royal Neighbors’ Winter Festival: Braham, MN
Performing Arts Center, Cambridge, MN
LaCrosse Storytelling: Festival Lacrosse, WI
Amery Storytelling Showcase: Amery, WI
Jack Links Aquatic Banquet: Minong, WI
Confabulation Storytelling Conference Presenter: Madison, WI
Nordic Midsummer Fest: Burnsville, MN
Scandinavian Showcase: Cambridge, MN
Stonecrest: Woodbury, MN
Park River Estates: Coon Rapids, MN
Scandinavian Smorgasbord, Pequot Lakes, MN
Roseau County Museum, Roseau, MN
Isanti County Historical Society, Cambridge, MN
Syttende Mai Celebration, Eau Claire, WI
American Council For the Blind, Minnesota Chapter
Dozens of Sons of Norway Meetings
Sample Program Titles
Scandinavian Legends of the Red River Valley : Swede Granberg & Florence Tree Top Klingensmith
The Immigrants Long Journey from Scandinavia to Minnesota
Lutefisk, Trolls & Lutheran Guilt
Salem Witch Trials compared to Norway’s Finnmark Witch Trials
How the people of the Arctic Circle fooled the Nazis during Norway’s occupation 1940-1945.
Unknown tales from the Faroe Islands
