@becsbuddy As a genealogist I encounter this often. I often suggest the local history society, but they often have no room and/or do not have the capabilities to properly care for pieces. Then I suggest heritage societies. For instance I had several books in Czech, which the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library took. Perhaps for you the Norwegian Historical Society might find them of value for their collections, especially since you know their provenance. Most everything I have accumulated will be simply sold in an eventual estate sale.

Do you have Norwegian relatives and can send them back. I had a friend who did that.
I am lucky, my children are keen and are planning where to put very large family oils. I think it helps if they have a story which they do.
Failing that, ask a museum.

Becky — I am glad you brought up the subject of family heirlooms and art objects. Moving to a smaller place, necessitates making heartbreaking decisions on the few you may be able to take along. To me, letting go of some things suggests that my life is over. Of course, they are just “things” but they are also precious and played a part in our earlier life.

I know how you feel about giving up family treasures and heirlooms that your kids don’t have a clue about the value.

We were face with that also. However, at the time of downsizing from one state to relocate to another to assist my mother who had cancer and recently passed away I came to the conclusion that those things were my treasures and cherished by me.

My mommy overtime dealing with her battle with cancer came to realize the things she treasured became valueless as nothing was more important than her life and health and easily gave things away to friends and other family members if we didn’t want them.

When my father n law passed away his treasures just became dust collectors. His kids keep a few things and threw away somethings they couldn’t give away or donated to charity organizations.

When it was our time to downsize and move into our final home I offered my kids some of my treasures and they took what they wanted.

After giving them what they wanted we sold what we could and gave away the other items to friends, family, and charities.
We realized that when God calls us home we are not taking any of our treasures with us.

So why let someone else dispose of your treasures? Do it yourself while you’re alive making sure they go to someone who appreciates them as much as you do and sell what you can.

We are enjoying life from the treasures we sold traveling, eating, drinking, living, loving and enjoying life.

Why let someone else sell my treasures and enjoy the monetary benefits.

Happy living and enjoy your life and time on this earth without being tied down to things.