Abstract
1970-2004; Fraternal and ethnic heritage organization comprised of lodges in North Dakota, Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan
Administrative/Biographical History
The Sons of Norway is a fraternal and ethnic heritage organization comprised primarily of North Americans of Norwegian descent. Its stated mission is to “promote, preserve, and cherish a lasting appreciation of the heritage and culture of Norway and other Nordic countries while growing soundly as a fraternal benefit society and offering maximum benefits to its members.” Organized by Norwegian immigrants January 16, 1895, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the purpose of fostering mutual aid within the Norwegian-American community, the society now has 400 local lodges throughout the United States, Canada, and Norway. In addition, Sons of Norway offers life insurance benefits to its members, along with various academic and cultural scholarships designed to promote familiarity with Norwegian language and culture. District IV consists of lodges in North Dakota and Montana, as well as in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
