Sons of Norway

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: The Ship, the Storm, and the Song
2026-02-11 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Wednesday, February 11, 2026- 7:00 PM
Sons of Norway
317 South Page Street, Stoughton
We explore the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald from perspectives of the weather, the ship and the song by Gordon Lightfoot. Steve Ackerman moved to Wisconsin in 1987, accepting a research scientist position in the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC). He joined the UW-Madison faculty in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences in 1992. Professor Ackerman served as Director of the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) from 1999-2019. This research organization is a collaboration between the UW-Madison, and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Wisconsin is widely recognized as the birthplace of weather satellites, and CIMSS is key to Wisconsin’s current reputation.
Refreshments will be served! Everyone is welcome and no reservations are needed!
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Please contact Darlene Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-873-7209 for more information. Mandt Lodge is handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. There is parking on the street, public parking lot behind the Stoughton Senior Center, or in the Livsreise parking lot if their building is closed. We always encourage you to bring donations for the Stoughton Food Pantry! The public is always welcome at Mandt Lodge!

Destination Stoughton- A Norwegian Weekend of Fun
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-01
January 30- February 1, 2026
The Stoughton Norwegian Summit Group, an informal group of Norwegian themed businesses, groups and organizations, builds a weekend of Norse opportunities around a signature event. The group was organized in 2011 under the leadership of Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge to bring “all those things Norwegian” together to help promote each other’s events, activities, businesses, and organizations. The group helps promote two Destination Weekends each year (Norse Afternoon Weekend and the Wisconsin Rosemalers’ Nordic Market) and of course, all are busy Syttende Mai Weekend! For more information, contact Darlene Arneson, Sons of Norway, at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com.
Our “featured” event: The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers- Norse Afternoon of Fun 2026
As winter settles over Wisconsin, the world-renowned Stoughton Norwegian Dancers are preparing to bring a burst of color, music, and high-energy tradition to the community. The group will host its annual “Norse Afternoon of Fun” on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Stoughton High School Gymnasium.
More than just a performance, the Norse Afternoon of Fun is a local tradition designed to cure “cabin fever.” The event showcases a vibrant display of authentic bunads (hand-crafted, traditional Norwegian folk costumes), rousing folk music, and the exuberant athleticism that has made the ensemble famous worldwide. “The combination of music, rhythm, and tradition creates an energy that is hard to find anywhere else,” says Wendy Furseth, director. “It’s the perfect way for our community to come together during the long winter months, celebrate our heritage, and get excited for Syttende Mai.”
Attendees can expect a family-friendly program that bridges generations, featuring:

Gravity-Defying Tradition: A mix of humorous, acrobatic, and traditional folk dances performed by 25 elite Stoughton High School students.
The Next Generation: A special guest appearance by 20 Stoughton elementary students, who will join the high schoolers for select dances.
Interactive Fun: Opportunities for audience participation that appeal to guests of all ages.

In addition to dancing, there will be a bake sale featuring authentic Norwegian pastries and baked goods, including Lefse, which the Stoughton Norwegian Dancer parent group prepares. There will also be a raffle drawing that includes the following fantastic prizes plus many more:

1st Prize: $1,000 Cash – (donated by Hamacher Lawn Care, Evolve Insurance, SK Marketing LLC, Appliance Repair Experts)
2nd Prize: 4 Baskets and 4 Pints of Custard a Month for 1 year – Culver’s of Stoughton
3rd Prize: $500 Gift Card to Conant Automotive – Conant Automotive
4th Prize: Golf for 4 – Stoughton Country Club
5th Prize: Weber Tailgate Grill – Stoughton Lumber
Multiple Cash prizes of $100, $200 & $250

All proceeds support the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers.
Event Details

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
Location: Stoughton High School Gymnasium, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, WI
Admission: Admission is $5 for adults if tickets are purchased in advance or $10 at the door. Admission is $1 for all children age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance through current Norwegian dancer families, the Nordic Nook in downtown Stoughton, or by emailing stoughtonnorwegiandancers@gmail.com.

Other events and happenings in Stoughton that weekend
Friday and Saturday, January 30-31- Livsreise- 277 W. Main Street, Stoughton
Hours are 9:30 AM-12:00 PM, 12:30 PM-5:00 PM, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Special Exhibit- 200 years of Norwegians in America- On view until February 1, 2026. The ship Restauration set sail for America from Stavanger, Norway on July 4, 1825 with 52 Norwegians aboard. To commemorate this bicentennial, the
Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa has curated a special exhibition focusing on Norwegian immigration. It features twenty objects that tell important stories and themes for Norwegians in America. Themes include living traditions, migration of skills, the Sami, higher education, sports, citizenship, Native Americans and Norwegian Americans, World War I, and returned immigrants. Each theme tells an important story of travel, settlement, family, and friends, old and new. This exhibit is now open and will be at Livsreise through all of 2025.
Friday, January 30: Sons of Norway, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton
Free movie night at 7 PM – downstairs. “My Norwegian Holiday”- JJ, grieving the loss of her grandmother and seeking dissertation inspiration, stumbles upon an unexpected holiday destiny. Meeting Henrik, a Norwegian from Bergen, their connection deepens when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown. To explore the troll’s history and her grandmother’s ties, JJ agrees to join Henrik on a journey to Norway. In Bergen, they’re drawn into Henrik’s family Christmas and wedding traditions, with his sister’s wedding the day before Christmas Eve. JJ embarks on a holiday adventure, uncovering the troll’s origins and finding her own path to healing, love and family. We will have refreshments and if you want to bring a snack to share, that is always welcome.
Sunday, February 1- Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton
7:30 PM- The Infamous Stringdusters are a celebrated American progressive bluegrass band known for their virtuosic musicianship, innovative arrangements, and genre-blending style. The GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet—Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], and Travis Book [double bass]—have musical influences that truly run the gamut, but their common denominator is certainly bluegrass— the sound that has in essence defined the course of their career. https://www.stoughtonoperahouse.com/events/2026/2/1/the-infamous-stringdusters
Visit our displays on Sunday at Norse Afternoon of Fun

Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library in Madison – NAGC & NL serves a worldwide audience by building and sharing stellar research collections, publishing useful and popular genealogical materials, and reaching out to all those who seek to know and venerate their Norwegian roots. We have been teaching in-person and virtual classes, providing programs for Sons of Norway and other group meetings, and are open to have people come in for research.
Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge- Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization for all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds for those who have an interest in Norwegian heritage and culture. Visit with us about our events, membership, classes, and youth activities. • Stoughton Chamber and Visitor Services– Learn what is happening around Stoughton and Syttende Mai!
Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center- Will have a table with information about their facility and exhibits

Check out our other members of the Stoughton Norwegian Summit Group to learn more about them!

Edvard Grieg Chorus- https://www.griegchorus.org/
Hardanger Classes- At the Stoughton Senior Center. $50/12 weeks. Kits available for extra cost Wednesdays, 8:15 AM – 12 PM. Register at 608-873-8585
Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society- https://koshkonongprairie.org/
Nordic Nook- https://nordicnook.company.site/
Stoughton Historical Society- https://stoughtonhistoricalsociety.org/
Torskeklubben- https://madisontorskeklubben.com/
Wisconsin Rosemalers- https://www.wisconsinrosemalers.org/
Ygdrasil Literary Society- Contact Eileen Nelson, President, eonelson@gmail.com

“Midsommar på Åland: Continuity and Change”
2025-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge invites the public to a program on “Midsommar på Åland: Continuity and Change” on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The lodge is located at 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI. Jason M. Schroeder, UW-Madison Scandinavian Studies-Folklore Track, will show film clips of two midsummer locations, one on the main island of the Åland Islands and the other on a remote island in the eastern archipelago of Åland. Between 2016 and 2022, he documented and participated in the groups who run the midsummer celebrations on Åland. Jason will show film clips and discuss the history of Nordic midsummer celebrations and ways that people, locations, and local traditions change these celebrations and mark them as unique to the people and places they occur. Jason M. Schroeder earned a PhD in Scandinavian Studies-Folklore Track at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Currently he is a Community Curator of Upper Midwestern Folklore at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Previously, he taught Swedish at Augustana College and directed the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University. Refreshments will be served! Everyone is welcome and no reservations needed! Please contact Darlene Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-873-7209 for more information. Mandt Lodge is handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. There is parking on the street, public parking lot behind the Stoughton Senior Center, or in the Livsreise parking lot if their building is closed. We always encourage you to bring donations for the Stoughton Food Pantry! The public is always welcome at Mandt Lodge!

SN Mandt Lodge Syttende Mai Events in Stoughton, WI
2025-05-16 14:00 - 2025-05-18 14:30 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
SN Mandt Lodge Syttende Mai Events in Stoughton, WI

Visit us at Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge during Syttende Mai Weekend – May 16-18, 2025!
Located at 317 South Page Street in Stoughton, WI. Offerings Bake Sales, Bingo, and Sit-Down Dinners!

Bake Sales on Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
Outside Bake Sale Stand at 317 South Page Street (south side of lodge). Open Friday 2pm-7pm; Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-2pm. Norwegian and American baked goods, packages of lefse and donuts, and rømmegrøt.

Sit-Down Inside Meals on Saturday and Sunday:
Syttende Mai luncheon-style meal serving on Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 11am-2:00pm. Ala carte luncheon buffet including Norwegian and American items. We’ll have varme pølse (wieners in lefse), potatoes, barbeque, meatballs, herring, baked goods, lefse, rømmegrøt, søt suppe (fruit soup), riskrem (rice pudding), cucumber salad, warm red cabbage, and beverages! Complete list of menu items available until we run out! Reservations are not needed for the inside meals. All items are priced individually. We are handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. Carry-out containers will be available for the parade on Sunday, if you want to take food home, or eat downtown in the Entertainment Tent (just over the bridge in the back of the lodge)!

Bingo on Saturday Night:
SN Mandt Lodge Bingo at 317 South Page Street- Saturday at 6:00 PM. Join us for an evening of bingo and fun with cash and fabulous free door prizes. Doors open and food will be offered after 5 PM and during the bingo break. We are handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. All ages welcome but youth must be accompanied by an adult family member over the age of 18.

Please contact Darlene Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-514-4951. “Like us” on Facebook at Sons of Norway StoughtonWI. Visit www.stoughtonwi.com for more details on Syttende Mai!

“An Evening about the Art Influence of Ethel Kvalheim”
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge invites the public to “An Evening about the Art Influence of Ethel Kvalheim” on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The lodge is located at 317 South Page Street in Stoughton, WI. Ethal’s son, Gary Kvalheim, will give a presentation on the interest in art at an early age in the life of my mother and myself; the similarities through the years of creating our art; who encouraged and supported us; the influence of my mother’s art on my art; and the various types of art each of us did and why we arrived at the form of art we pursued. Refreshments will be served! Everyone is welcome and no reservations needed! Please contact Darlene Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-873-7209 for more information. Mandt Lodge is handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. There is parking on the street, public parking lot behind the Stoughton Senior Center, or in the Livsreise parking lot if their building is closed. We always encourage you to bring donations for the Stoughton Food Pantry! The public is always welcome at Mandt Lodge!

Advanced Rosemaling Class
2025-04-25 09:00 - 2025-04-27 16:00 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Adult Advanced Rosemaling Class
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge is hosting an Adult Advanced Rosemaling class for individuals with some experience. The 3 Day Class – April 25 (Friday), April 26 (Saturday) and April 27 (Sunday), 2025. 9:00 AM – 4PM will be held at Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge – 317 Page Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589. Total Class Fees: $155.00 Sons of Norway Members and Seniors (age 55 & over) and $180.00 Non- Sons of Norway Members. Registration form and payment due: April 1, 2025 ($50.00 of this class fee is non-refundable) if student cancels after April 2, 2025 or does not show on the first day without prior arrangements. Andrea Herkert (VGM) will be teaching this class. This class will focus on the Hallingdal style of Rosemaling. Additional information on the project for this class will be sent to students once determined by Andrea. A supply list will be sent out on or before April 2th for this class. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Odalen (608-513-1837-cell or naodalen@charter.net). To learn more about Andrea, visit https://www.rosemalingrenaissance.com/about-andrea-herkert-rosemaling/.

Advanced Beginning Rosemaling Class
2025-04-05 09:00 - 2025-04-06 16:00 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Advanced Beginning Rosemaling Class
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge is hosting a rosemaling class for students who have taken a Beginning Rosemaling Class. The 2 Day Class will be on April 5 (Saturday) and April 6 (Sunday), 2025, from 9:00 AM – 4PM. The class will be held at Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge – 317 Page Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589. Class Fees: $125.00 Sons of Norway Members and Seniors (age 55 & over) or $155.00 Non-members (Sons of Norway) plus supplies. Registration form and payment due March 15, 2025 ($25.00 of this class fee is non-refundable if you cancel or do not show up for class). Nancy Odalen, VGM will be teaching this class. This is a class for beginning painters to build upon what they already learned during their first beginning rosemaling class. The class will be taught in oil. This class will have a project. You can either paint on a backgrounded masonite board or the project piece. Nancy will have the project piece available in the class for an additional cost. We ask that you purchase your own brushes and bring your own supplies. This will be an interesting, fun, and informative class that will provide you with a firm foundation in the art of Rosemaling. We will be working on a 12” candle plate and painting in the style of Romsdal. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Odalen (608-513-1837-cell or naodalen@charter.net). To learn about Romsdal rosemaling, watch https://youtu.be/CjvrJ2Hhiwc?si=4NkyQ8Q8xmTPEEy9.

Beginning Rosemaling Class
2025-03-29 09:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Beginning Rosemaling Class
Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge is hosting a Beginning Rosemaling Class on March 29 (Saturday) and March 30 (Sunday), 2025 from 9:00 AM – 4PM. The class will be held at the lodge which is located at 317 Page Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589. This Class is for Students who have little or no experience in rosemaling. Class Fees: $110.00 Sons of Norway Members and Seniors (age 55 & over) and $135.00 Non-members (Sons of Norway). Registration form and payment due: March 10, 2025 ($25.00 of this class fee is non-refundable if you cancel after March 11, 2025, or do not show up on the 1st day for class without prior arrangements.). Nancy Odalen, VGM will be teaching this class. This is a class for beginning painters. At this level you will learn brush control and technique, complete a basic scroll and a flower form. The final task will be to paint a design of at least 3-4 inches in both height and width. The class will be taught in oils, and we will work on practice boards. There will be supplies available during this class for students who have not rosemaled previously there is a supply fee of $20.00 for those that do not wish to purchase supplies prior to the class. We ask that you purchase your own brushes. (We will have brushes available for you to purchase at the class). We will send out a supply list on or before March 10, 2025. This will be an interesting, fun, and informative class that will provide you with a firm foundation in the art of Rosemaling. For Sons of Norway Members this will provide you with the skills you will need to complete the activities required by Sons of Norway for the Rosemaling Cultural Skills Medal. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Odalen (608-513-1837-cell or naodalen@charter.net)

Scrapbook and Craft Weekend
2025-03-07 18:00 - 2025-03-09 14:00 | Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge- 5-314, 317 South Page Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Sons of Norway Scrapbook and Craft Weekend
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge will host their spring 2025 Scrapbook/Craft Project Weekend on Friday, March 7, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring your scrapbooking project or another project to work on. You will have your own 8- foot table to spread out all your items and tools all weekend. Saturday Night Craft Show & Tell – Bring other crafts you do, or a project you have completed to share with everyone if you wish! Cost: $50.00 includes your own 8- foot table for all three days at times listed above. There will be a limited number of extension cords available and a refrigerator for your own lunches, snacks, etc. Please feel free to bring your own music if you have your own ear buds or headsets. Mandt Lodge is handicapped accessible. Please DO NOT park in the corner parking lot on Saturday as Livsreise is open that day.
Registration forms are due February 20 as there is limited space available, so register you and your friends early! $50.00 fee to be paid at time of registration – no refunds. Email: lauriebarrett79@yahoo.com with your email and phone number for registration info or call (262) 492-5242
