Audio Scott Wolter talks with MPR's Greta Cunningham Photos Real or fake? More from MPR The Kensington Runestone (11/24/98) Resources The Runestone Museum The Kensington Runestone Paper by Dr. David Sprunger on runestone researcher J.A. Holvik Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

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Runestone debate shifts to Sweden
by Greta Cunningham, Minnesota Public Radio
July 17, 2003

The Kensington Runestone, which is inscribed with what some believe to be the writings of Nordic explorers dating from the year 1392. The debate over its authenticity has raged for decades. (Photo courtesy of The Kensington Runestone Web site)

Undated — It's been the object of devotion and derision. It's been bandied about by scientists, academics and amateur sleuths. And now the Kensington Runestone is being hauled to Sweden.

The runestone was unearthed by farmer Olaf Ohman on his western Minnesota farm back in 1898. The rock is carved with an inscription which some believe to be the writings of Nordic explorers dating from the year 1392, but a number of academics over the years have pronouced the runestone a modern forgery.

Swedish scientists are holding a conference in October to study the Kensington Runestone and recent evidence that supports its validity.

Geologist Scott Wolter will travel to Sweden with the runestone this fall. Wolter runs a forensic geology business in the Twin Cities. He first heard of the runestone three years ago when he was hired by the Runestone museum in Alexandria to conduct tests.

Listen to Wolter's interview with MPR's Greta Cunningham by clicking on the audio link in the right column.

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