03 - Assignment: The Kensington Runestone


Images of the two carved faces of the Kensington Runestone, from George Flom's short book "The Kensington Rune-Stone : an address" (Illinois State Historical Society, 1910)

You may have heard about something called the Kensington Runestone. It’s possible that you have even been to the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, MN. If you read the article linked above you would think that the stone is a hoax. Why then are there still so many people who argue for its authenticity?



This will be your job to investigate. First, find out what you can about the Runestone’s origin and the argument around its authenticity. Find two sources that support the validity of the claims and two sources that dismiss the stone as a hoax. Then you will present your conclusions in an essay or a presentation.


Your submission should include the following:


  • Background information/History of the Runestone;

  • Your findings and (thorough) supporting evidence for both sides of the argument;

  • Your opinion on which side of the argument provides the most compelling conclusion;

  • Your analysis on why the opposing view persists