The Marius and Caroline Gjelsnes Papers document the Norwegian immigrant experience in North Dakota's Red River Valley. The collection consists of letters written in Norwegian that date from December 12, 1886 through September 16, 1892. The first portion of the collection contains love letters written between Marius and Caroline dated December 12, 1886 through April 19, 1888. The collection holds both photocopies of the original letters and their English translation.

The second portion of the collection holds both original letters written during Caroline's trip to Kongsvinger, Norway to celebrate her parents' 25th wedding anniversary and their translation. These letters are dated May 24 through September 16, 1892.

Also included is a copy of articles from the Grand Forks Herald, June 30 and November 17, 1991, which describe the collection and the Gjelsness family reunion.

Three photographs were separated and placed in the Photograph File Cabinets.