Not so long ago – just over 130 years – the first Sons of Norway organization was created as an answer to a problem faced by Norwegian immigrants. Since then, the organization has evolved, changing its membership, mission and rules to fit the times while keeping Scandinavian and Nordic culture at its heart.
Why the Sons of Norway was Formed
What was the problem that Norwegian immigrants were facing? Life insurance. Jim This, current Hovedstad Lodge president, explains that in the late 1800s, Norwegian immigrants were denied life insurance by American companies.
The solution? A male-only fraternal order, the Sons of Norway, was formed to help immigrants with insurance and more. “The Sons of Norway was formed in 1895 to support Norwegian immigrants in the United States by providing financial protection, mutual aid, and a community to preserve Norwegian culture and identity,” shares Jim. “It emerged during a period of economic hardship and rapid immigration, when Norwegians needed both practical support and a cultural home.”
Norwegian men between the ages of 20 and 50, in good health and upholding good moral standards, were allowed to apply.
As a mutual aid society, The Sons of Norway also helped Norwegian families who were struggling due to illness, injury or death. Like many immigrant groups, the Sons of Norway also provided them with a way to celebrate their homeland customs together. Coming together helped older members not forget their heritage while helping ensure children born in America knew their culture and customs.
“Lodges served as welcoming centers for newcomers, helping them find community, stability and connection in their new country,” adds Jim.
The Modern Sons of Norway
As times changed and barriers to immigrants were removed, the Sons of Norway did not disappear. Instead, members re-imagined its core values and continued to grow.
During the last 130 years, the organization has changed dramatically, shares Jim. There are now almost 400 lodges and over 57,000 members in the United States, Canada and Norway. Today, membership is open to all genders and you do not have to have Norwegian ancestry. Families can join, with special memberships for children.
They have shifted from being an insurance provider to a main focus of education and cultural preservation. And not just Norwegian culture, but all Nordic cultures, including those of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Greenland.
In 1966, the Sons of Norway Foundation, a separate charitable nonprofit, was formed to continue to broaden the group’s education and philanthropic reach, shares Jim.
They added programs like cultural skills and sports medals; genealogy resources; language lessons; youth camps; heritage retreats; and more.
Sons of Norway in Olympia
The Hovedstad Lodge Sons of Norway 2-094 in Olympia was organized in 1969. Today, the lodge is still very relevant, explains Jim. “As ethnic identity becomes more diffuse across generations, organizations like Sons of Norway provide a structured, welcoming space to explore heritage,” he shares. “For many younger members, it’s a way to reconnect with ancestry they didn’t grow up immersed in.”
The Olympia Sons of Norway contributes to our community in big ways. From charitable contributions to local nonprofits such as food banks and scholarships for post-secondary students, to cancer care bags. They are also involved in an educational summer camp that teaches Scandinavian heritage to campers ages 9 to 15. They hold three camps, each two weeks long. “The unique natural setting of each camp enhances the cultural experience of all who attend,” shares Jim.
Part of District 2 – along with lodges in Oregon, Idaho and Alaska – members of the lodge can attend the annual Doreen J. Parker Cultural Heritage Retreat. Normally held in September, the retreat takes place at Trollhaugen Lodge in Washington. “[It] immerses adult members in Norwegian culture through classes, crafts, food traditions, and community-building,” shares Jim. “It’s one of District 2’s signature cultural events, offering hands‑on learning and lodge‑to‑lodge connection.”
Members still have perks, including access to programs, travel discounts, financial products and more. Members also receive the Viking Magazine, rated the number one member benefit, Jim adds. Members may also attend the nine to 10 meetings per year, which include a light dinner, a cultural presentation and a focused program.
If you are interested in learning more, check out the Sons of Norway website and don’t miss their Norway Days celebration that happens annually in April.
