About this site
This site is still under development.
In this site you will find a wealth of information on Scandinavian Culture.
You will be linked with many of the tools and resources needed for genealogy.
You will be given access to Language lessons both basic and advanced.
Our Audio Visual Library will emerse you in various Scandinavian subjects.
You will be able to locate lodges near you and view their websites and events.
You can find out what our wonderful childrens groups have to offer for children and teens ages four and up.
You will be able to shop Vasa Order Merchandise to help spread Vasa's visual presence and also to benefit the Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund.
You will be able to keep up on current events happening in the Vasa Order.
If you are a Member, you will have access to features that will link you with various resources as well as other members.
About The Vasa Order of America
The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago as a benefit society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men who through the Vasa Order met others who needed to learn the new language and ways of the new country. A benefit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death benefit at the time would cover final expenses. The Order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated the country in the 16th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa reflects the Order's roots as a Swedish American Fraternal Organization.
Over the past century, many things have changed, and the Vasa Order has grown to meet the new needs of the Scandinavian American community. Where in the past, members looked to Vasa to help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a means to share problems and solutions with their countrymen, today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the Old Country.
Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Scandinavian roots, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic,) and their spouses who would like to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers.
Many lodges and districts sponsor Language classes as well as Children's clubs in which Folk Dances are learned and performed in authentic costume. Whenever we can, we take part in programs where our rich heritage may be shared with the public.
There are nearly three hundred lodges in the Vasa Order, governed by 19 District lodges in the United States, Sweden and Canada. The most popular monthly meeting nights are Friday and Wednesday. While you may apply for membership to any of our lodges, if you were to join the closest one to your home you would find it easier to participate in meetings and activities.
Also located within District Lodge Lake Michigan #8 is the Vasa Archives, Vasa Park and the Viking Ship of 1893.
