Sons of Norway Overview

Sons of Norway was organized as a fraternal benefit society on January 16, 1895, by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The original purposes and goals set forth by the Founding Fathers were simple. They wanted to provide protection for members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family.

Today, this purpose remains unchanged. Sons of Norway and its Financial Benefits Counselors offer financial protection to Sons of Norway members and their families against the hardships of sickness and death through a variety of quality insurance programs.

Over time, though, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in modern society. In doing so, Sons of Norway has grown from a small, local group into an international organization with more than 60,000 members and has become the world’s largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.

Much of Sons of Norway’s success can be attributed to our efforts in promoting Norwegian traditions and fraternal fellowship through the cultural and social opportunities offered in local lodge and district lodge activities. These include language camps and classes, cooking and heritage classes, heritage programs, sports programs, travel opportunities, publication of Viking magazine, and scholarships and philanthropic endeavors sponsored by the Sons of Norway Foundation.

Quick Facts (as of December 31, 2012)
Total Members: 59,388
Members in the United States: 55,433
Members in Canada: 2,654
Members in Norway: 1,301
Lodges:390
Life Insurance In Force: $648,836,000
Number Insurance Certificates in Force: 17,054