Sons of Norway: Nordkap Lodge 5-378
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Velkommen, Detroit Norwegians.

 Nordkap Lodge is the Detroit chapter of the Sons of Norway fraternal organization. It serves as a meeting place and social network for
Norwegian and Scandinavian enthusiasts from the entire metro-Detroit area. Nordkap Lodge is a place to celebrate Norwegian culture. It is an all-ages family friendly nonprofit organization dedicated to community service and cultural education. You don't need to be Norwegian to join the Sons of Norway. You just need to have an interest in Nordic culture.

Learn about our traditional "Cod Toss"

Part of Nordkap's Constitution Day celebration has been our very own incredible game, the "Cod Toss."  See why it's more fun than playing horseshoes or the Corn Hole game.  

See this modern day 'Viking Funeral' 

Have you ever had a close relative pass away and you wanted to celebrate their life in a special way? That was the issue Nordkap member Debra Kraft faced following the death of her father.  Debra wanted a hold something like a Viking funeral for her parents, but wondered how to do it.  See the creative result Debra and her family came up in this PowerPoint presentation she made at our November 2019 meeting.  
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a_tale_of_vikings_in_metro_detroit_for_website.pptx
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Finding Your Norwegian Roots:  

Here's a clear explanation about the sometimes confusing naming traditions in Norway (see PowerPoint slides below).  Understanding these traditions can be very helpful in searching for your Norwegian ancestors.  This presentation was given by Nordkap Treasurer Carmen Collins at our February 20, 2019, meeting.  

Another helpful resource is The Norwegian National Archives www.digitalarkivet.no/en.  This was demonstrated in January 2019 by Norkdap President Haley Vingsness.  

norwegian_genealogy_names.ppt
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Reviving the Viking Chess Game

The Vikings had a great way to amuse themselves between raids and working on their farms.  It was a board game similar to chess called Hnefatafl, which they spread around the world on their travels.  Here's the presentation that Connie Hart and her family recently made at our lodge.  ,
viking_chess_game__hnefatafl.pdf
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Living in Norway with "Polar Nights" 

What’s it like to live in near total darkness for weeks at a time? That’s what people in Northern Norway grapple with each winter, as the sun barely creeps past the horizon during “Polar Nights.”  Nordkap officer Merete Stenersen is a veteran of Polar Nights, having grown up in Tromso, Norway.  She shared her experiences at Nordkap's January meeting with the following presentation::
polar_night_presentation.pdf
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What kind of swords did Vikings use?

Derrick Hendricks provided insight into this question in November when he spoke about "Medieval Weapons and Defenses" and exhibited examples from his collection.  (See photo below.) He also helped dispel some myths about what the Vikings wore and how they fought.  Here's Derricks presentation:    
arms_and_armor_.pdf
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Norse Explorers Led the Way

Nordic explorers Erikson, Nansen, and Amundsen opened our eyes and our  world to greater possibilities and adventures with their heroic achievements.  Here is Carmen Collins' fascinating presentation on their lives, presented at the October 2017 Nordkap meeting.  
nordic_explorers__3_.ppt
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Learn about the Rite of Passage Norwegian Kids Experience

Think American kids go crazy when they graduate high school? See how Norway's grads get their kicks--responsibly--while still enjoying high jinks and fun. This presentation was made by Mary Morehead on April 23, 2017.   
russetid.pdf
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The "Open Air Life" in Norway offers benefits here, too

Learn about "Friluftsliv" the Open Air Life that you can experience, too.  This presentation was made April 23, 2017, by Mark Eelnurme on behalf of his wife Merete Stenersen.   
friluftsliv__1_.pdf
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The Story of Norway's Royal Family

This is a presentation made by Carmen Collins at our January 2017 meeting.  It highlights King Harald's recent speeches and the leadership position he has taken on diversity. 
norwegian_royalty.pdf
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The following is a video of the King's speech on diversity.  Carmen showed this video at our meeting.  
Finally, here is the King's New Year's Speech that Carmen referenced.  It was translated by Nordkap member Finn Roed.  
king_haralds_new_years_speech_2017_.pdf
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Draken Comes to Detroit

This is the story of the replica Viking ship Draken Harald Hårfagre and how it came to Detroit, thanks to the work of two Nordkap members, Geir Gronstad and Honorary Norwegian Consul to Michigan Dennis Flessland. This presentation was made by Geir at Nordkap's Oct. 23, 2016, meeting attended by Sons of Norway 5th District President Andy Johnsen.  
draken.pdf
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Upcoming Events:

Norwegian Constitution Day:
Syttende Mai -- May 17th

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On Saturday, May 17th, we’ll observe Norway’s biggest holiday, Syttende Mai, with a festive parade, music, games, and picnic foods at the Swedish Club. Come help us celebrate the day that Norway’s Constitution was signed in Eidsvold, Norway, in 1814.  

Our celebration begins at 11 a.m. at the Swedish Club, 22398 Ruth Street in Farmington Hills, with Norwegian food imports and gift items for sale.  The parade starts at 11:30 a.m.

We’ll fly the Norwegian flag, sing the Norwegian national anthem, turn out in bunads, and enjoy Scandinavian music, picnic foods, and Norwegian heart waffles. 

Then we’ll have the games!  Among them will be Nordkap’s traditional “Cod Toss”—tossing fish for distance. 
A complimentary dessert and coffee buffet will follow the games.  Events will conclude by 3 p.m.
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Admission is $5 payable at the door.  Children 5 years of age and younger are free.  This includes pølse (hot dogs), chips, soft drinks, Norwegian heart waffles with jam and sour cream, and desserts. 
Please consider bringing a favorite Norwegian dessert to share at the dessert buffet.  If you can volunteer to help out, please contact the organizer, President Haley Jarasz, at [email protected].  

Midsummer: Sankthansaften June 23

We’ll gather from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park at 24915 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to celebrate Midsummer, one of the longest days of the year. 

There’ll be a nature hike, bonfire, grilled hot dogs, S’mores, and the burning of a paper witch for good luck!  

Please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share.

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See other events for 2025 listed under the "Events" tab at the top of the page.  

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