Embedded Files
Sons of Norway was organized as a fraternal benefit society by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 16, 1895. The purposes and goals of the Founding Fathers were to protect members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. Overtime, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We have grown since our beginning and are now the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.
Sons of Norway was organized as a fraternal benefit society by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 16, 1895. The purposes and goals of the Founding Fathers were to protect members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. Overtime, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We have grown since our beginning and are now the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.
Brief History of the Washington Lodge 3-428
An organizational meeting was held on January 16, 1943, and the Washington Lodge was formally chartered September 19, 1943, with 73 members.
Our first newsletter was published in 1963.
The Lodge held the first Christmas Festoval and Bazaar in 1967 at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Our library opened in 1973.
We co-hosted the Syttende Mai gala and picnic with the Norwegian Royal embassy in 1975.
In 2007, the Norway House was purchased and has served as the center of all our activities ever since.
In 2020 and 2024 we received the Large Lodge of the Year Award.
Washington Lodge hosted or co-hosted the Third District Convention in 1964, 2008, and 2024.
In 2018, we held a 65th Anniversary Celebration picnic at the Cultural Center with six Past Presidents in attendance.
We celebrated our 80th Anniversary in 2023!
Today, the Washington Lodge members represent a diversity of backgrounds and nationalities, with a shared interest in all things Norwegian and Scandinavian. We trust that all ages will find something of interest -- in our web site and in our lodge. At the moment, we have over 400 members. Most are from the local area of DC, Maryland, and Virginia, but we also have members as far west as California and Washington, as far north as Minnesota, as far south as Florida, and as far east as Norway.
In addition to the board of directors, our officers include a Librarian, a Sports Director, a Youth Director, two Newsletter Co-Editors, a Webmaster, a Cultural Director, and a Photographer.
Our Awards
Washington Lodge was named the International Lodge of the year for 1999 at the International Convention held at Stavanger, Norway in 2000.
In 2018 we held a 65th Anniversary Celebration at the American Legon Hall in which 6 past Presidents were in attendance.
Our Lodge newsletter, The Capital Viking has placed first in the last Third District Newsletter Competition.
Washington Lodge hosted or co-hosted the Third District Convention in 1966, 2004, and 2024.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse