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. 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.
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.
Reviving the Viking Chess GameThe 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. ,
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::
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:
Norse Explorers Led the WayNordic 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.
Learn about the Rite of Passage Norwegian Kids ExperienceThink 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.
The "Open Air Life" in Norway offers benefits here, tooLearn 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.
The Story of Norway's Royal FamilyThis 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.
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.
Draken Comes to DetroitThis 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.
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News about Our Events:Nature Hike in May Was Perfect for Enjoying Friends and Wildlife
It was a very satisfying day for bird watching on May 1st when Nordkap members met at Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan, for the second nature hike led by former Nordkap Vice President Cathy Johnson.
Among the species spotted during the two-hour hike were Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, swans, Redwing Blackbirds, a Bald Eagle, Osprey, the Great Blue Heron rookery, and a male Downey Woodpecker. Cathy plans to lead future hikes, possibly as soon as this fall. So watch this website for future updates.
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