After 18 years of work, the village books for Haram municipality have finally been completed. On Monday, November 11, Brattvåg’s foundation day, the last two volumes – about Hildrestranda and Brattvåg – were launched during a celebration at Ingebrigt Davik House.
The project, which has documented the local history of the entire municipality of Haram, began in 2006 following an interpellation in the municipal council. A limited company was founded the same year, and work began in earnest in 2007. Since then, Haram Bygdebok AS has published six volumes spanning 3,930 pages. They cover Grytastranda, Hamnsund, Søvik, Gamlem, Store Kalvøy, Fjørtoft, Flemsøy/Skuløy, Haramsøy, Lepsøy, Hildrestranda, and Brattvåg.
Former chairman Bjørn Sandnes and current chairman Harald Nordang shared the history of the project during the launch. The work has been a combination of professional writing and extensive volunteer efforts from the local community. Authors Olav Myklebust, Eldar Høidal, and Ivar Braaten have contributed to the content, supported by local groups who have gathered information and facts.
The launch not only marked the completion of the books, but also the start of a new digitization project. From the new year, the village books will be digitized and updated with any corrections and additions, so that the work is preserved for the future.
With this project, Haram Bygdebok AS has preserved local history for future generations. As Sandnes stated: «We hope these books will strengthen the identity of the inhabitants of Haram and be a legacy for the future.»
