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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 – [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
Nordic Landmarks in North America
Learning about your Nordic heritage doesn’t require a trip to Norway. There are plenty of opportunities for North Americans to have those cultural experiences closer to home. In the May 2016 issue of Viking, we highlight museums, monuments, historical sites and educational centers in the United States and Canada worthy of a family road trip. Looking for more ideas? Read on! Runestone Museum Alexandria, Minn. This museum is home to the [...]
Sons of Norway Announces New Racing Sponsorship
Sons of Norway Announces New Racing Sponsorship posted on Fri, Apr 15 2016 11:00 am by Erik Evans 1 Comment Sons of Norway is pleased to announce its new sponsorship of Norwegian racer, Caroline Olsen for the 2016 MotoAmerica series. Olsen, a native of Halden, Norway, has been tearing up race tracks throughout Scandinavia and Europe for a few years now. She won the Rookie 600 cup in 2008, [...]
Ready to Serve: Part Two
This Q&A is a continuation of the article that ran in the March issue of Viking magazine. In your Viking interview you had mentioned wanting to deepen members’ understanding of the Foundation. Where are some areas you think members would most benefit from this deeper understanding? Through philanthropy, lives are changed. The Sons of Norway Foundation able to sustain its programs only with gifts from our lodges and donors. This support [...]
Remembering Lyle Berge
It is with great sadness and shock that we have learned of the passing of Lyle Berge, a devoted member, cherished friend and International Director from District 6. Over the years Lyle made an impact on everyone with whom he came into contact. As a tribute to him, I’d like to share some reflections on his altruism and commitment from the International President and D6 President. Lyle Berge is gone, [...]
Ambassador Heins Sworn In
It’s official—the United States now has an Ambassador for Norway! As you probably heard, Samuel Heins was appointed by President Obama and recently confirmed for the position. Last Thursday he was officially sworn in, completing the process.This is excellent news for both Norway and the United States, as having someone in this important diplomatic position will help strengthen the bond that exists between both countries. A recent MinnPost article was [...]
The Very Model of a 21st Century Ambassador
For a number of years now Social Media has been a prime component of our culture. It’s how we get our news, it’s a source of entertainment and a conduit for sharing our joys and concerns. It’s pervaded almost every area of modern day life, from the cereal we eat for breakfast to the books we read before bedtime. One of the last and longest holdouts, though, has been [...]
Scandinavian Quartet Åkervinda
Vocal quartet Åkervinda adds modern flair to Scandinavia folk songs. The members of the group, Linda, Lise and Agnes, met while they were studying jazz music. They’ve performed throughout Scandinavian and North America and hope to have new music to share by the end of this year. Read more about them in the February 2016 issue of Viking and see more below. “We all had a mutual interest in [...]