Welcome to the Ringness House Museum!
At the center of Bosque County lies the historic Ringness House Museum, which draws visitors from around the world. The City of Clifton is officially recognized as the Norwegian Capital of Texas. The towns of Clifton, Cranfills Gap, and Meridian combine to uphold Norwegian traditions beyond the county lines and to continue to honor our past and reach into the future as so many people discover this haven of Norwegian heritage.
We welcome visitors from around the county, the state, and the world. If you’ve never been to Bosque County, we suggest you come for the annual Tour of Homes, during the Norwegian Country Christmas celebration, held during the first weekend in December. We always have a lot of fun!
Ringness House Museum to present Norwegian classic at Cliftex
The Ringness House Museum will present a special one-time screening and fundraiser of the award-winning Scandinavian film classic, “The Emigrants,” on Saturday, September 27, at noon in the historic Cliftex Theater, located at 306 W. 5th Street in Clifton, Texas. The movie is being presented free to the public, though goodwill donations will be accepted.
The 1971 Swedish film by director Jan Troell stars Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann as poverty-stricken Swedish immigrants who face hardships both in their native land as well as their new home in mid-19th century Minnesota. The movie won international acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film as well as four additional Oscars including best picture, best director for Troell, and best actress for Ullmann.
“Join us for this special viewing which also supports the Ringness House Museum,” commented Museum president Ronnie Ringness. The movie is being shown in conjunction with many other events during the final months of 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of the first Norwegian immigration to America in 1825. Cleng Peerson, “The Father of Norwegian Immigration,” spent his final years in Bosque County and is buried at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Cemetery at Norse.
“This event celebrates our heritage and helps preserve the legacy of the historic Ringness House Museum built in 1859,” Ringness said. “If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider supporting the Museum by making a donation.” The Cliftex Theatre, built in 1916, is the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Texas.
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For general information, or to schedule your group’s visit, contact: Betty Tindall 254-253-0224.