Michael Birkeland

Michael Birkeland was an historic author, politician, lawyer and commissary of arbitration. He was an Assistant in the Norwegian Archives from 1852, appointed “Riksarkivar”, the 1st Chief of Government Archives, on July 18, 1863. Became Head Archivist of Norway on December 11, 1875 when the Norwegian Archives became an independent department. He was elected member of the Society of Sciences in Trondheim April 30, 1866, and in Oslo February 15, 1867 and of the Royal Danish Society for “Fædrelandets” (the fatherland’s) Language and History November 21, 1867. Leader of the Kjeldeskrift fund, member the City Council of Oslo from 1869 till 1894 and was a member of the Norwegian Parliament from 1880 till 1885. Was a moderate conservative from the 1860s, joined L. I. Daae and T. Aschehoug. As an historian was concerned with the prosperity in Norway while in union with Denmark. Established «Den Norske Historiske Forening» (The Norwegian Historical Society) in 1869 and was its leader for many years. «Historiske Skrifter 1 – 3» («Historical Writings 1 – 3») was published in the years 1919-1925. On January 21, 1875 he received the Order of St. Olav for scientific and civic services, a reward he should have had long time ago according to a letter written by Henrik Ibsen. He had been a most intimate friend of Henrik Ibsen, had been instrumental in securing for him in the Storting an annual “Authors’ Salary” with subsequent increases. He also had become a personal friend of King Oscar II who not only invited him (with wife) to festive occasions at the Royal Palace, but also (without wife) to more intimate breakfasts for closer communication.