Submitted Photo Johan Stenslie is shown in his current home city of Bergen, Norway. Photos from Johan Stenslie.

BERGEN, Norway – Growing up in Mandan, Johan Stenslie’s childhood was steeped in history and Norwegian culture. Dinner table conversations revolved around local Native American history, thanks to his father, Peder Stenslie, a social studies teacher. Meanwhile, his mother, Tone-Lise Stenslie, a native of western Norway, ensured the family spoke only Norwegian at home. His parents now live in Minot.

These early influences didn’t just shape Stenslie’s interests — they became the foundation for his career as a professional genealogist.

Today, Stenslie is the owner of Stone Hill Genealogy & Family History, a thriving business helping clients, primarily from North Dakota and Minnesota, trace their Norwegian roots.

Stenslie’s passion for history began early. At 16, he landed his first job as an interpretive guide at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where he spent seven summers sharing stories of the past. “I was the youngest guide there for my first three years,” he recalled. “It was my dream job.”

Named after his great-great-grandfather, Stenslie’s name, which means “stony hillside,” reflects his family’s origins in Oyer, Norway.

“I’ve stood on that very hillside,” he said. “It’s surreal to walk where your ancestors lived.”

From teaching

to tracing roots

After teaching U.S. history at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, Minnesota, Stenslie realized he wanted to deepen his connection to history.

“I loved teaching, but I wanted to be a historian who teaches, not just a teacher who loves history,” he said.

In January 2024, he moved to Norway, registering his genealogy business just before the move. Despite initial doubts, demand for his services soared.

“I’ve been fully booked since my first client,” he said. His work often bridges gaps for Norwegian-Americans seeking lost connections, while Norwegians hire him to explore lesser-known branches of their family trees.

Stenslie’s research has uncovered stories of resilience and heartbreak. One client’s ancestor, Ole Olsen og Akershus, endured unimaginable hardship — losing his wife, giving up children for adoption and struggling to survive before emigrating to Minnesota.

“Every family leaves a mark,” Stenslie said. “Their stories stay with me long after the project ends.”

Now living in Bergen, Stenslie enjoys the efficiency of working in Norway, where archives and living relatives are just a short trip away. But his heart remains in North Dakota.

“I hope to return someday, teach again and keep researching in the summers,” he said.

For now, Stenslie continues to help others find their place in history — one family story at a time.

Practical tips for

aspiring genealogists

For those starting their own genealogy journeys, Stenslie offers simple advice: “Talk to your oldest relatives first. Their memories are priceless.” He also recommends free resources such as FamilySearch before investing in paid platforms.

When researching Norwegian roots, he emphasizes the importance of U.S. records.

“Census data, obituaries and church books often hold the key to identifying ancestors in Norway,” he said.

Stenslie notes striking differences in how Americans and Norwegians view family history. “Americans often seek lost connections, while Norwegians see it as part of their identity,” he said. This shapes his work, from emotional reunions for U.S. clients to deepening existing knowledge for Norwegians.

Stenslie’s ultimate goal is simple – to keep learning and teaching. Whether in Norway or North Dakota, his mission remains the same. He wants to help others uncover their pasts while deepening his own understanding of history.

“This work is more than a job,” he said. “It’s a way to honor the lives that came before us.”

For more information about Stone Hill Genealogy & Family History, visit its social media.

Submitted Photo
The Stenslie family is shown in traditional Norwegian clothing at the 2003 Norsk Hostfest in Minot. From left are father Peder, siblings Solvei, Johan and Kristian and mother Tone-Lise.