Sons of Norway Blog

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members.

Norsk Høstfest 2016

Next month tens of thousands will gather at the State Fair Center in Minot, N.D., to take part in North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, Norsk Høstfest. An event filled with world-class entertainment, authentic Scandinavian cuisine, cultural displays and handcrafted merchandise; this year’s festival is sure to delight all in attendance. Read on to learn more about what is in store for festival-goers this year. Entertainment This year’s Great Hall [...]

August 29th, 2016|Blog|

Innovative Leadership Conference

This year’s Innovative Leadership Conference, held this week during the 2016 Sons of Norway International Convention in Tacoma, WA, provided delegates a solid framework for developing their own leadership skills and the tools for mentoring potential new leaders in their respective lodges. The conference was led by communications expert Kit Welchlin, who engaged the group of more than 120 with interactive exercises and in-depth discussion. Participants worked through four learning [...]

August 25th, 2016|Blog|

More With Nevada Berg

In the August 2016 issue of Viking, we highlight food blogger and photographer Nevada Berg. She runs her blog, North Wild Kitchen, from her 17th-century mountain farm in Numedal, Norway. Inspired by Norway’s natural beauty, Berg’s recipes and photography celebrate seasonal ingredients, and blend tradition with unique flavors.

August 15th, 2016|Blog|

Signature Journeys

Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas. With the end of summer fast approaching, we all need something to look forward to in the coming months… How about an extraordinary vacation! Borton Overseas is thrilled to announce our new selection of original, customized Signature Journeys which have been specially designed by our Destination Specialists. We call these [...]

August 8th, 2016|Blog|

Tall Ships Journey Ends in Green Bay for Draken Harald Hårfagre

The Draken team has made the decision to end its Great Lakes voyage. However, Sons of Norway is pleased that through its fundraising efforts the Draken was able to continue its route to Bay City, Michigan, then on to Chicago and lastly to Green Bay, enabling thousands of people to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of Norway. Throughout Sons of Norway’s involvement as fundraiser [...]

August 4th, 2016|Blog|

Visual Storyteller

Visual Storyteller posted on Mon, Aug 1 2016 8:00 am by Anya Britzius 0 Comments Wisconsin-born Max Estes is the author and illustrator of more than a dozen children’s books and graphic novels published in North America and Europe. He moved to Norway in 2009 for love, and currently resides in Lofoten, Norway, with his wife. In the August 2016 issue of Viking, we talked with Estes about his [...]

August 1st, 2016|Blog|

Coastal Kitchen: Six Authentic Norwegian Dishes

Norway’s culinary traditions are similar to the dramatic scenery of its coastline: fresh, distinctive, and full of variety. Just like seeing the snow-capped mountain peaks, the deep fjords, and the northern lights, the food experiences in Norway are extraordinary. Norway’s cuisine is more than just seafood, although the country has an extensive coastline and, as a result, fish and shellfish feature heavily in many of the local meals. But [...]

July 29th, 2016|Blog|

Stunning Revelation: Genealogy Search Confirms Donor’s Direct Lineage to Namesake of Viking Ship Draken Harald Hårfagre

UPDATE: 10 a.m. CST/July 29, 2016—Minneapolis—Sons of Norway, a financial services and international cultural organization headquartered in Minneapolis, has learned that a donor to its charitable campaign to raise funds to help the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship continue its Great Lakes voyage is a direct descendant of first King of Norway Harald I Hårfagre, who reigned from c. 872-930. Norman Oyen of Arlington Heights, IL, is the 33rd [...]

July 29th, 2016|Blog|

Congressman Erik Paulsen Shares His Thoughts on Viking Ship

The voyage of the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship has captured the attention and imagination of thousands, both within the U.S. and abroad. The world's largest modern Viking ship, its participation within the Tall Ships Festival provides a living example of Nordic seafaring history and culture. As a Co-Chair of the Friends of Norway Caucus, Congressman Erik Paulsen shares the sentiments of many within the Scandinavian community saying, "People [...]

July 20th, 2016|Blog|

Community Support Allows the Draken Harald Hårfagre to Sail on to Chicago

Sons of Norway has learned that due to its fundraising now totaling more than $56,000, the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship will continue its voyage to Chicago as part of Tall Ships Challenge® Great Lakes 2016. Statement from the Draken Harald Hårfagre: We are so grateful for all the people engaging in our efforts to continue our expedition in the Great Lakes. It is because of your generous donations [...]

July 20th, 2016|Blog|

Help the Draken Harald Hårfagre sail again!

Sons of Norway Establishes Official Fundraising Site in Partnership with the Draken Harald Hårfagre The charitable Foundation of Sons of Norway, a Minneapolis-based financial services and cultural organization, and the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship team have established a partnership to immediately handle a deluge of interest in donating to allow the vessel to continue its voyage as part of Tall Ships Challenge® Great Lakes 2016. The Draken – [...]

July 14th, 2016|Blog|

Top Actress

In the June 2016 issue of Viking, we talked with Norwegian actress Ellen Dorrit Petersen. Hailing from Tau, Norway, she studied performing arts at the Oslo National Academy of Arts and started her acting career on stage at theaters in Stavanger and Oslo. She’s appeared in Norwegian films such as “Troubled Water,” “King of Devil’s Island” and “Blind.” Later this year, the award-winning actress is set to star in [...]

June 15th, 2016|Blog|

Gifts for Summer

Summer entertaining season has arrived! If you’re looking for Scandinavian-inspired gifts, check out Viking’s June issue for ideas perfect for newlyweds, kids, grads and gracious hosts. Here are few more editor’s picks. The Piccadilly line of bowls and dishes is a highlight of Sagaform’s spring/summer 2016 collection. Perfect for serving appetizers and desserts, the oven safe dishes come in several charming pastel colors. My First English/Norwegian Dictionary of Sentences [...]

May 30th, 2016|Blog|

Ambassador Hans Brattskar Visits Minneapolis

Ambassador Brattskar and Sons of Norway CEO Eivind Heiberg. Photo by Becca Dilly This week, Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar visited Minneapolis for a series of events. He spoke about Norway’s foreign policy at The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, visited Sons of Norway headquarters, and was the guest speaker at the Syttende Mai Minnesota Banquet. Brattskar was recently named Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. [...]

May 20th, 2016|Blog|

Sons of Norway is seeking an experienced Insurance New Business Representative to join our team of professionals in Minneapolis, MN. About Us: Sons of Norway have been in the business of selling annuity and life insurance products since 1895. Since then we have grown to become a $360 million Fraternal Life Insurance company that serves 60,000 members in nearly 400 communities throughout North America and Norway. We are headquartered [...]

May 16th, 2016|Blog|
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