SONS OF NORWAY AND SKJOLD LODGE
THE
ORIGIN OF THE SONS OF 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.
Over time, 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 now encompass more than 420 local lodges with a membership of nearly 60,000 people living in North America and Norway. The original purpose was not forgotten and Sons of Norway continues to provide financial and insurance services to its members.
ABOUT SKJOLD LODGE:
Skjold Lodge #5-100 was the 100th lodge created by Sons of Norway and was organized on Feb. 25, 1910.
Why not call it "Daughters of Norway"?
During the early years, Skjold Lodge was for men only and the wives decided to organize their own lodge (and in 1911, "Nornen Lodge #41, Daughters of Norway', was organized). The two lodges worked together for many years. In 1949 the two lodges merged and the rest is history.
Not unlike a woman who is recognized for her political or professional reputation and retains or continues to use her name prior to marriage for that recognition factor, Sons of Norway retains a 100 year old highly visible name.
Today, Sons of Norway is recognized throughout the world by that long held name both as an insurance/financial company as well as a Norwegian heritage organization.
While we are called "Sons" of Norway, women are very welcome and active members of the lodge. Women serve in senior positions at the lodge, district and International level. Our current lodge President is Kathy Secora and our 5th District President is Mary Jane Bennett.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR NORWEGIAN HERITAGE
We promote Norwegian traditions and fraternal fellowship through the cultural and social opportunities offered at Skjold Lodge and at district lodge activities.
These activities include language camps and classes, scholarships, handicrafts, cooking and heritage classes, heritage programs, sports programs, travel opportunities, "Viking" Magazine, and outreach programs sponsored by the Sons of Norway Foundation
Our Cultural Skills Program gives members a chance to earn awards based on their mastery of Norwegian cultural areas. <Click here for more details>
To learn even more about us, read the brief history of the lodge. Some of you may be interested in the list of past presidents or current officers of the lodge. <Click here for membership information>
WE ARE PART OF DISTRICT 5
Sons of Norway is organized into Districts (We are part of District #5, Zone #5). Visit the District 5 web site for more details about our district organization.
SONS OF NORWAY FOUNDATION
Skjold Lodge supports, and contributes to, the Sons of Norway Foundation, an organization which promotes Norwegian heritage activities, provides scholarships and supports humanitarian causes. Learn more.
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.
Over time, 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 now encompass more than 420 local lodges with a membership of nearly 60,000 people living in North America and Norway. The original purpose was not forgotten and Sons of Norway continues to provide financial and insurance services to its members.
ABOUT SKJOLD LODGE:
Skjold Lodge #5-100 was the 100th lodge created by Sons of Norway and was organized on Feb. 25, 1910.
Why not call it "Daughters of Norway"?
During the early years, Skjold Lodge was for men only and the wives decided to organize their own lodge (and in 1911, "Nornen Lodge #41, Daughters of Norway', was organized). The two lodges worked together for many years. In 1949 the two lodges merged and the rest is history.
Not unlike a woman who is recognized for her political or professional reputation and retains or continues to use her name prior to marriage for that recognition factor, Sons of Norway retains a 100 year old highly visible name.
Today, Sons of Norway is recognized throughout the world by that long held name both as an insurance/financial company as well as a Norwegian heritage organization.
While we are called "Sons" of Norway, women are very welcome and active members of the lodge. Women serve in senior positions at the lodge, district and International level. Our current lodge President is Kathy Secora and our 5th District President is Mary Jane Bennett.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR NORWEGIAN HERITAGE
We promote Norwegian traditions and fraternal fellowship through the cultural and social opportunities offered at Skjold Lodge and at district lodge activities.
These activities include language camps and classes, scholarships, handicrafts, cooking and heritage classes, heritage programs, sports programs, travel opportunities, "Viking" Magazine, and outreach programs sponsored by the Sons of Norway Foundation
Our Cultural Skills Program gives members a chance to earn awards based on their mastery of Norwegian cultural areas. <Click here for more details>
To learn even more about us, read the brief history of the lodge. Some of you may be interested in the list of past presidents or current officers of the lodge. <Click here for membership information>
WE ARE PART OF DISTRICT 5Sons of Norway is organized into Districts (We are part of District #5, Zone #5). Visit the District 5 web site for more details about our district organization.
SONS OF NORWAY FOUNDATION
Skjold Lodge supports, and contributes to, the Sons of Norway Foundation, an organization which promotes Norwegian heritage activities, provides scholarships and supports humanitarian causes. Learn more.