One of the missions of the Sons of Norway is the preservation of Norwegian culture and heritage. The programs, annual events, and resources listed below help encourage and educate our members in learning about Norwegian traditions and sharing the enthusiasm for friluftsliv (outdoor life/outdoor recreation). No matter your age or ability, there’s sure to be something to interest you!
Cultural Skills Medals
There are many areas in which to earn Cultural Skills Medals:
Traditional Norwegian Cooking
Norwegian & Norwegian-American Literature
Collecting Norwegian & North American Stamps
Rosemaling
Genealogy
Knitting
Norwegian Language & Culture
Hardanger Embroidery
Figure Carving
Weaving
Ornamental Woodcarving
Chip Carving
Music & Musicians of Norway
Norwegian Folk Dancing
Figure Carving, Folk Dancing, Handknitting, Hardanger Embroidery and Collecting Norwegian and North American Stamps are also offered for the younger set through the Youth Cultural Skills Program.
You can get detailed information about what is involved by visiting the Sons of Norway website or reading this. If you’d like to form a group and work on earning a Cultural Skills Medal in any of the areas, contact the Cultural Committee, which coordinates the formation of groups.
Family & Youth Program
Details coming soon.
Norwegian Language Class
The details of the ten-week fall session are still being figured out. For additional information, please feel free to contact course instructor Luana Marie Jøsvold, M.A., Scandinavian Languages and Literature.
An Advanced Level class is currently in session. Here are the details.
‘Tusen takk’ to all the brave souls who participate.
Learn more and practice your skills on the Sons of Norway website.
Sports Medals
If you like to exercise, you can participate in the Third District Walking Contest. Record your steps with a Fitbit, smartphone, or pedometer. Each month, report them to Karen Lein. These miles can also be used to earn a Walking Medal. There are also medals in: Biking, Skiing, Swimming, and Other Sports. See Karen Lein for these too.
Learn more from the Sons of Norway.
Annual Events
Annual events include the following: Installation, Potlock Supper, 17.mai, Bus Trip to Brooklyn Parade, Member Initiation, Welcome Back Supper, Scandinavian Fair, Jultrefest for Folk, and Jultrefest for Barn.
Here are the events planned for the near future:
Scholarships
The Norumbega Lodge No. 3-506 scholarship program provides financial support for students, either for post-secondary education or study of Scandinavian language and/or culture, through two different opportunities: the Paul Fredrickson Memorial Scholarship, and the Einar and Eva Lund Haugen Scholarship. Eligibility for each scholarship, as well as links to forms and other documents, is detailed below.
Paul Fredrickson Memorial Scholarship
Children and grandchildren of current Lodge members are invited to apply in their final year of high school, or during their undergraduate years. This scholarship is not applicable to graduate or advanced degree work.
To apply, please complete the Application Form and submit to the Scholarship Committee along with the supporting elements as outlined in the Application Instructions. More details are available in the a List of FAQ’s.
Einar and Eva Lund Haugen Scholarship
Students of Scandinavian language and/or culture, including Lodge members, are welcome to apply for this scholarship. Applicants who have been Lodge members for fewer than five years, or are not Norumbega Lodge members, must be sponsored by a member who has exceeded the five-year threshold. The Scholarship Committee can assist in connecting applicants with Lodge members for sponsorship. Scholarship funds will be awarded for formal education experiences, such as undergraduate or graduate degree coursework or summer language immersion programs at a camp or university. Scholarships are not applicable for personal interests or exploration, like tourist travel to Scandinavia or independent genealogy research.
To apply, please complete the Application Form and submit to the Scholarship Committee along with the supporting letters as outlined in the Application Instructions. More details are available in the a List of FAQ’s.
Deadline and Other Information
Completed application forms and other required components must be postmarked by April 1 of the current year. Scholarships are awarded in $1,000 increments and are typically presented at the June Lodge meeting.
If you have questions about the Lodge Scholarship program that are not answered in the documents linked here, please contact the Scholarship Committee.
Resources
Sons of Norway
Sons of Norway. For information about Sons of Norway, as well as links to other Lodges and a host of interesting sites.
Third District. Features complete information about Third District.
Land of the Vikings (LOV). The 3rd District’s resort in northeast Pennsylvania.
Sons of Norway Foundation. “The Sons of Norway Foundation awards scholarships and grants to promote heritage and culture of Norway, and provide assistance to our members, lodges and their communities.” – Mission Statement
Scandinavian Charitable Society of Greater Boston
The Scandinavian Charitable Society of Greater Boston. “Our mission is to provide affordable housing and assistance to elders and to support cultural enrichment and community connections.”
Scandinavian Living Center. “The Scandinavian Living Center was created to emulate the best in the Scandinavian model of older adult living.”
Scandinavian Cultural Center. Scandinavian cultural events at the Scandinavian Living Center or nearby.
Scandinavian Library at the Scandinavian Living Center. Latest information about hours and services.
Monthly free nordic film series schedule. Films are shown in the Nordic Hall at the Scandinavian Living Center (SLC). Admission, refreshments, and parking are free, although donations are welcome. The SLC is handicapped accessible.
Other Organizations
Scandinavian East Coast Museum. Museum founded in 1996 to document the Scandinavians who settled along the East Coast of the United States. They have a large collection of artifacts and archives, presently stored at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brooklyn.
On-line news of Norway. Norwegian events, politics, economy, culture, education, travel, visas, and passports. Published by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the United States of America.
ODIN. The Norwegian Government website.
New England Regional Ski For Light. Non-profit organization to promote the physical fitness of visually and mobility impaired adults in an environment where “we can’t” is replaced with “we can”.